Today, February 22, the Edo state governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo has spent his first one hundred days in office. Even though the Edo State Election Petition Tribunal is ongoing, the state Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo could not be distracted. He has remained focused on delivering on his elections promises, setting new records and transforming the state in uncommon styles. Korede Abdullah articulates the ups and downs of the governor in this article
As the governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo has recorded significant high points as well as falls since assuming office.
Okpebholo faced a lot of hurdles before he was elected and sworn in November 2024 to lead his state till the next four years. It pertinent to state that the governor’s first 100 days in office has been characterised by a flurry of activities, dramas, falls and opposition’s relentless attacks.
But the governor soldiers on, flagging off several infrastructure projects, including the commencement of work on the 7.5KM Temboga Road, the Ramat Park flyover, and the Sapele Road Reconstruction and Repairs. These projects are expected to improve the state’s road network and boost economic activities. And making promises to the people of Edo state.
Economic Reforms and Education Get a Boost
Governor Okpebholo has also taken steps to address the state’s economic challenges. He has disbanded the Market Association to reduce the high cost of living in Edo State and approved 500 million Naira for Ambrose Alli University (AAU) Ekpoma to offset accumulated bills.
Additionally, he has reinstated unjustly sacked lecturers at AAU and donated a luxury bus to the institution for free transportation. These moves are expected to improve the state’s education sector and economy.
Governor Tackles Security and Community Development
Security and community development have also received attention from the governor. He has signed the Secret Cult Prohibition Bill into law, approving a 21-year jail term for cultists and their sponsors
Furthermore, he has set up the Conflicts Resolution Committee to resolve issues ravaging some communities in the state.
The governor has also initiated palliative work on the Benin-Auchi road by Obadan Junction section and constructed a road leading to the prayer ground of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal in Nigeria (CCRN) at Upper Ekenwan.
Governor’s Popularity on the Rise
Despite some criticisms, Governor Okpebholo’s approval rating appears to be on the rise. Former Governor Adams Oshiomhole has praised the governor’s performance, saying that Edo State is “back in safe hands”.
With his 100 days in office celebration approaching, Governor Okpebholo will be hoping to build on his early successes and deliver more dividends of democracy to the people of Edo State.
The Governor’s Controversies, Verbal Blunders
The Edo State governor has had a tumultuous first 100 days in office, marked by controversy and criticism.
During his campaign, Okpebholo faced legal battles, including a summons from a Magistrate’s Court in Abuja for allegedly making false statements about his date of birth.
Despite these challenges, he emerged victorious in the governorship election and was sworn in on November 12, 2024.
However, his tenure has been marred by gaffes, including a notable slip-up during his campaign where he promised to provide “insecurity” instead of “security”.
Okpebholo’s struggles continued when he presented the state’s 2025 Appropriation Bill, stumbling over budget figures and drawing public backlash.
The incident sparked widespread criticism, with opposition members accusing him of reducing the bar of governance.
The Edo State People’s Democratic Party, (PDP) Chairman, Tony Aziegbemi said Okpebholo’s gaffe showed he wasn’t involved in Edo budget planning.
The Edo State Government on Thursday announced the suspension of its Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Samson Osagie, and the Chairman of the Local Government Service Commission, Damian Lawani.
The suspension was disclosed by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Musa Ikhilor, in a statement in Benin, the state capital, on Thursday morning.
Ikhilor said the two-state top officials were suspended over allegations of “grave official and financial infractions”.
According to him, the suspension, which takes immediate effect, is pending the conclusion of an investigation into the allegations.
Ikhilor said the two-state top officials were suspended over allegations of “grave official and financial infractions”.
According to him, the suspension, which takes immediate effect, is pending the conclusion of an investigation into the allegations.
“It is hereby announced for the information of the general public that the Gov. Monday Okpebholo has approved the suspension from office of the Chairman of Edo Local Government Service Commission, Damian Lawani and Commissioner for Justice, Samson Osagie over allegations of grave official and financial infractions.
“The suspension is with immediate effect.
“Consequently, the governor has ordered the setting up of an Investigative Committee to investigate the allegations levelled against them and make appropriate recommendations accordingly.
“The suspension of Osagie and Lawani became necessary to enable the government to carry out a thorough investigation into the allegation of financial infractions levelled against them.
“The suspension is pending the conclusion of the investigation,” the SSG said.
The suspension came less than three months after the two officials were appointed.
However, the state’s Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, yesterday in Benin, said the suspension of the duo over allegations of grave official and financial infractions highlighted the deeper issues of corruption and maladministration, as well as validating PDP’s concerns about reckless financial mismanagement and illegality under the leadership of Okpebholo.
He said the findings merely scratched the surface of systemic corruption, misappropriation of public funds and blatant legal violations occurring right under the governor’s watch.
APC Members Praised Okpebholo
The Governor’s supporters, particularly members of the ruling APC, have praised his efforts, citing his swift action on infrastructure projects, such as ordering contractors back to sites to fix failed portions of roads within the Benin metropolis.
The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, Jarrett Tenebe, defended Governor after he faced public backlash for stumbling over budget figures, saying it’s normal human error, which portrays him as a man of integrity.
As Governor Okpebholo marks his 100 days in office, opinions on his performance are sharply divided, leaving his legacy uncertain. With critics and supporters evenly split, only time will tell if he ultimately leaves a lasting, golden legacy or a forgettable footnote in Edo State’s history.
Uncertain Road Ahead for Dividends of Democracy to Yield
So far, in the last 100 days in office Edo people will judge whether their lives have improved better than they fared under the previous governments. However, judging from his early actions towards improving the lives of the people of Edo, they are bright signals that delivering on democracy dividends Governor Opkebholo will crack hard nuts as the road ahead is bumpy and shaky. The ongoing elections petition tribunal is a key determinant of his future as governor.
