Edo: Okpebholo effects minor cabinet shake-up for fourth time in 2026
Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has announced a cabinet reshuffle, redeploying four commissioners in what appears to be a minor administrative adjustment.
The Secretary to the State Government, Barrister Umar Musa Ikhilor, confirmed the changes in a statement issued to the press on Saturday, September 12, 2026, in Benin City.
The new appointments include Dr. Felix Ehiguese Akhabue, who will transition from the Ministry of Water Resources to the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development. Barrister Vincent Osas Uwadiae moves in the opposite direction, taking over as commissioner for Water Resources after being reassigned from the Ministry of Physical Planning. Hon. Andrew Momodu returns to the Ministry of Oil and Gas Resources from the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, while Prof. Omorodion Ikponmwosa shifts from Oil and Gas Resources to Communications and Digital Economy.
Ikhilor stated that the redeployments, effective immediately, are part of the administration’s ongoing efforts to enhance governance, improve service delivery, and promote greater efficiency in state management.
The governor urged the newly assigned commissioners to apply their experience and expertise in their new roles and to remain committed to the administration’s SHINE Agenda, which aims for sustainable development in Edo State.
This latest cabinet reshuffle marks the fourth such instance in 2026. Earlier this year, on January 30, the governor restructured his cabinet by moving Chief of Staff Gani Audu to the Ministry of Oil and Gas Resources as commissioner-designate, a position awaiting confirmation by the Edo State House of Assembly. In that reshuffle, Hon. Yakubu Oshiorenua Musa replaced Audu as Chief of Staff.
In April, the governor made further cabinet changes, relocating Felix Akhabue to the Ministry of Water Resources from his previous role as Commissioner for Works, a position currently overseen by Permanent Secretary Engr. John Obanor due to the lack of a substantive replacement.
On August 13, the governor reinstated Prof. Omorodion Ignatius Ikponmwosa, the suspended Commissioner for Livestock Development, moving him to the Ministry of Oil and Gas Resources while also appointing Hon. Ohimai Ehijimetor as commissioner for Livestock Development after his reassignment from the Ministry of Communications.
