Gov Okpebholo Appoints Enugu Man As Commissioner In Edo State
Edo State’s Governor Monday Okpebholo this week carried out a minor reshuffle in his cabinet that saw the engagement of a non-indigene as a new Commissioner.
The announcement of the reshuffling, by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Umar Ikhilor, listed the newly sworn-in commissioners deployed to include Enugu State-born Mr. Martin Anayochukwu Oli, who has been appointed as the Commissioner for Inter-Ethnic Relations.
From Nigeria’s Igbo stock, Martin Anayochukwu Oli Hails from Aninri Local Government Area of Enugu State.
The Governor’s statement said of Oli’s portfolio: “The Ministry of Inter-Ethnic Relations is a newly-created Ministry established to promote inter-ethnic and inter-community harmony, strengthen peaceful coexistence, and harness the rich and ever-evolving diversity of Edo citizens as an asset for the development and unity of the state.”
Oli, whose nomination has been confirmed by the Edo State House of Asssembly, happens to the second non-indigene appointed to a major position in Okpebholo’s administration, following the earlier appointment of a Hausa-Fulani community leader.
As part of the cabinet change, the Governor deployed the recently suspended Commissioner for Livestock Development, Professor Omorodion Ikponmwonsa, to the Ministry of Oil and Gas.
Ikponmwonsa was suspended on July 19, 2026, alongside the State Project Coordinator, Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (LPRES) Project, Mrs. Ikpikhumi Betsy Aghaku, over “official infractions.”
The state government did not provide any further explanation on the nature of the alleged offence.
The statement by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Umar Ikhilor, stated that two other newly sworn-in commissioners were deployed while Ikponmwosa was redeployed alongside two other old commissioners.
Ikhilor said the exercise was aimed at strengthening governance, enhancing efficiency and improving service delivery across the State.
“In order to better align responsibilities with the respective skills, experience and competencies of members of the State Executive Council; His Excellency has approved the following redeployments: Mr. Ohimai Ehijimetor, Commissioner for Communications, is redeployed to the Ministry of Livestock Development, Prof. Omorodion Ikponmwosa, Commissioner for Livestock Development, is redeployed to the Ministry of Oil and Gas and Mr. Andrew Momodu, Commissioner for Oil and Gas, is redeployed to the Ministry of Communications.”
According to the statement, all deployments and redeployments “are with immediate effect.”
It urged the affected commissioners to ensure seamless handover and assumption of duties in their respective ministries, saying, the Governor “expects all members of the State Executive Council to bring renewed vigour, professionalism and commitment to their respective assignments in furtherance of the administration’s determination to deliver efficient, responsive and people-centred governance to the people of Edo State.”
