Edo Gov. dissolves EDSIEC, others, orders return of govt. property in their possession

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has announced the immediate dissolution of the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC), and some other commissions within the public service.

The Diaspora Digital Media (DDM), learnt that the decision was revealed in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor.

Among these organizations are the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC), the Civil Service Commission, and the Edo State Oil and Gas Producing Areas Development Commission.

“The dissolution is effective immediately,” Ikhilor said.

The announcement also instructed all chairmen and members of the affected commissions to return any government properties in their possession.

“This handover must occur to the most senior public officers available,” the statement added.

On a similar note, Okpebholo, on November 13, barely 24 hours in office as the Governor of Edo State, sacked all permanent secretaries appointed from outside the state public service and other political appointees in the state.

About Edo Gov.

Monday Okpebholo, born on August 29, 1970, is a prominent Nigerian businessman and politician.

He has served as the governor of Edo State since November 12, 2024.

Prior to becoming governor, he represented the Edo Central senatorial district in the Nigerian Senate from 2023 to 2024.

Early Life and Education of Edo Gov.

Okpebholo hails from the Udomi-Uwessan community in Irrua.

He began his education at Udomi Community Primary School and later attended Ujabhole Community Secondary School, both located in Esan Central Local Government Area.

After completing his secondary education in Jos, Plateau State, he earned a degree in Business Administration from the University of Abuja.

He also holds a Master’s degree in Policy and Leadership Studies from the same institution.

Political Career of Edo Gov.

Okpebholo launched his political career by contesting for the Senate seat representing the Edo Central senatorial district.

He ran under the All-Progressives Congress (APC) and secured victory on February 25, 2023.

The Edo Gov. officially took office in the 10th National Assembly of Nigeria on June 13, 2023.

In February 2024, he emerged victorious in the APC gubernatorial primary election for Edo State.

Also, in 2024, the Magistrates’ Court summoned him over allegations regarding the falsification of his birth date on his voter’s card, claiming it to be August 1, 1977.

Previously, during his academic tenure, he faced scrutiny for stating his birth date as August 29, 1972, on his West African Examination Council (WAEC) certificate.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) later declared him the winner of the 2024 Edo State gubernatorial election.

With this victory, he assumed the role of executive governor of Edo State.

Know also about Edo

Edo State, located in Nigeria’s South-South geopolitical zone, boasts a diverse cultural landscape and rich history.

In 2022, it ranked as Nigeria’s 22nd most populous state, with an estimated population of approximately 4.8 million people.

Additionally, Edo is the 22nd largest state by land area. Benin City, the capital and most populous city, represents a central hub for the rubber industry and ranks fourth among Nigeria’s cities.

The state was created in 1991, emerging from the former Bendel State.

Known as the “Heartbeat of Nigeria,” Edo State shares borders with several regions: Kogi State to the north, Anambra State to the east, Delta State to the southeast and south, and Ondo State to the west.

Historical Significance

Edo State encompasses regions tied to powerful historical empires, including the Benin Empire, established during the 11th century.

Modern Benin City, formerly known as Edo, once featured some of the world’s largest earthworks.

In 1897, British forces conducted an expedition that destroyed much of Edo and integrated the area into the Southern Nigeria Protectorate.

The population largely comprises the Edoid ethnic group, which includes the Edo (or Bini), Esan, Ora, Akoko-Edo, Owan, and Afemai people.

The Edo language remains the most commonly spoken language in the state, especially within Benin City.

Christianity predominates among the various religions practiced in Edo, introduced by Portuguese missionaries in the 15th century.

Additionally, residents practice Islam and traditional indigenous religions.

Political History

From 1963 to 1991, the Mid-Western Region of Nigeria existed, initially called Bendel State in 1976.

This region formed from Benin and Delta provinces of the Western Region, with its capital in Benin City.

After being renamed a province in 1966, it retained its territory intact when other provinces split into various states in 1967.

During the Nigerian Civil War, Biafran forces invaded the Mid-Western state, attempting to secure a rapid conclusion to the conflict.

Upon Biafran occupation, the region proclaimed itself the “Republic of Benin,” but Nigerian troops swiftly reclaimed Benin City, leading to the republic’s disbandment.

Edo State officially came into being on August 27, 1991, when Bendel State separated into Edo and Delta States.

The political organization among the Edo people follows a three-tier age group system that spans family lines, basing authority on age rather than lineage.

Benin City’s governance reflects similar age-grade structures as local villages.

The political organization also incorporates both hereditary and non-hereditary chiefs, who support the Oba.

The Oba serves as a critical figure in the Benin political system, embodying the principles of divine kingship.

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