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Tag: Okpebholo

Okpebholo Orders Immediate Release Of Innocent AAU Students Arrested After Ekpoma Unrest

Wale busari05 mins

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has directed security agencies to immediately identify and release any innocent students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, who may have been arrested following the recent unrest in the university town. The governor gave the order on Tuesday during a meeting with the President of the Ambrose Alli University Students’ Union Government (SUG), stressing that AAU students were neither responsible for nor involved in the violence that disrupted Ekpoma. Okpebholo described the incident as a criminal act carried out by individuals who are no longer students but operate around the university environment under the guise of activism. According to him, their activities are aimed at causing chaos, extorting students and looting properties. “I have met with the SUG President of AAU, Ekpoma, and we had a very lengthy discussion. As I have consistently maintained, this was not a students’ protest. “These are individuals who are no longer students but hang around the school environment causing trouble and extorting law-abiding students. We will put an end to that,” the governor said. He assured the student leadership that his administration would not allow genuine students to be punished for offences they did not commit, promising swift action on any wrongful arrests. “For any students that were probably arrested, we will look into it immediately and ensure they are released through the SUG President. That is a promise, and it will be carried out as quickly as possible. “The protest was not organised by students. In fact, it was not a protest at all. It was simply an avenue to loot,” Okpebholo added. The governor also dismissed claims that the unrest was linked to kidnapping, describing the reports as false and deliberately misleading. “The kidnapping they are talking about is fake. It was stage-managed. They were arranging to kidnap and release themselves. The most painful part is that someone was even killed,” he said. Condemning the burning of markets and destruction of property in Ekpoma, Okpebholo warned that anyone found sponsoring or using hoodlums to destabilise communities in Edo State would face the full weight of the law, regardless of their status. “I don’t care whether you are a politician or not. If you are using people to destroy our land and economy, we will go after you. Those responsible will be brought to book so justice can be served,” he warned. Speaking on behalf of the students, AAU SUG President, Comrade Osadebamen Ehizogie Michael, thanked the governor for his intervention and rejected attempts to link the violence to students. “It is pitiable that some people want to associate what happened with students. We are here to clearly state that students did not organise any protest,” he said. Also commenting on the situation, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Andrew Eromonsele, confirmed that no arrests were made within the university campus, further distancing the institution from the unrest.

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Edo State Government Says Ekpoma Unrest Was Coordinated Riot, Not Student Protest

Wale busari03 mins

The Edo State Government on Tuesday rejected claims that the recent unrest in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area, was a protest. In a statement signed by Patrick Ebojele, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, the government described the incident as a “coordinated riot” aimed at destabilising the state. It added that the violence was “well-organised” and allegedly sponsored by a Nigerian resident in Russia and other locations abroad. According to the statement, security agencies have identified the suspected masterminds, who reportedly contacted individuals in Ekpoma and coordinated riots across Ekpoma, Auchi, Irrua, and even the Government House in Benin City, with funding traced to sources in the diaspora. The government also dismissed claims that those arrested in connection with the unrest were students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU) or that arrests were made inside student hostels. It clarified that the university is currently closed and students had vacated the hostels before the incident. “The government firmly refuted claims that those arrested and facing prosecution in connection with the violence were students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, or that their arrests were made inside student hostels,” the statement read. Authorities said the suspects were intercepted while allegedly heading to vandalise property on the university campus, while others were identified from viral videos showing acts of arson and destruction. “The suspects arrested are rioters, not peaceful protesters,” the statement added, noting that most arrests were based on clear evidence, including video footage linking the individuals to the violence. The government emphasised that the incident had no connection with AAU students or the National Association of Nigerian Students. The unrest follows the January 9 kidnapping and killing of a young man in Ekpoma, which had sparked fear and outrage among residents, particularly AAU students.

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Edo State Postpones School Resumption In Edo Central After Violent Protest Over Insecurity

Wale busari02 mins

The Edo State Government has postponed the resumption of all public and private schools in Edo Central Senatorial District indefinitely. In a statement on Monday, the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Paddy Iyamu, explained that the delay is to allow the state to address pressing issues and enhance the welfare of students. He said, “The new date of resumption will be duly communicated to the public in due course. Parents, guardians, and all education stakeholders within Edo Central Senatorial District are kindly requested to take note of this development and comply accordingly.” The announcement follows a violent turn during a peaceful protest over insecurity on Saturday in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area. Residents initially demonstrated against rising crime, including kidnappings and the killing of a youth on Friday night, blocking a major highway to voice their concerns. The protest was later hijacked by hoodlums, who attacked traders at the livestock market, slaughtered goats, beat cows, and caused panic, scenes widely circulated in viral videos. The rioters also vandalised the palace of the Onojie of Ekpoma, Zaiki Anthony Abumere II, drawing condemnation from Governor Okpebholo. The Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, confirmed that one person was shot by a soldier during the unrest and that the matter has been referred to military authorities. The crisis has heightened concerns over security in the region, prompting the government to delay school activities until stability is restored.

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Edo Governor Monday Okpebholo Demands ₦25 Billion From PDP Chairman Anthony Aziegbemi Over Alleged Defamation

Wale busari02 mins

Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has called on PDP state chairman Dr. Anthony Aziegbemi to pay ₦25 billion in damages over alleged defamation and libel. The governor is also demanding a public apology to be published in three national newspapers. The demands were made in a letter dated 22 December 2025, addressed to Aziegbemi and signed by Okpebholo’s lawyer, R.I.D. Okezie, Esq. The letter, titled “Demand for damages and apologies for defamation of the character of the Executive Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo,” accused the PDP chairman of making statements that undermined the governor’s reputation. Okpebholo has given Aziegbemi a seven-day ultimatum to pay the ₦25 billion and issue the retraction. The claims relate to a press release allegedly issued by Aziegbemi on 7 January 2025, in his role as factional chairman of the Edo State PDP Caretaker Committee. The release, reportedly circulated widely in print and online media, is said to have contained remarks that disparaged the governor and the office he holds. The letter further noted that the publication mocked the governor’s public image, which he has cultivated over the years, including during his tenure as a senator in the National Assembly.

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Okpebholo Claims Rising Kidnappings Are Plot to Undermine President Tinubu

Wale busari02 mins

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has alleged that the recent spike in kidnappings across the country is a calculated move to weaken President Bola Tinubu politically. According to the governor, the same strategy was deployed years ago against former President Goodluck Jonathan and it worked at the time. However, he maintained that it will fail under the current administration. His comments follow a string of violent abductions by suspected bandits in different parts of the country. In November, gunmen invaded the Christ Apostolic Church, CAC, Oke Isegun, in the Eruku area of Kwara State and kidnapped several worshippers during a church service. Around the same period, at least 10 residents were also abducted from Biresawa and Tsundu communities in Tsanyawa Local Government Area of Kano State. While addressing Igbo leaders at the Government House in Benin City, Okpebholo described the kidnappings as politically driven rather than random criminal acts. “What they are doing now is that they will go and kidnap people just because they want to discourage Mr President but he is resolute. “They are kidnapping people because somebody wants to win an election, it’s not fair. They did this to Goodluck Jonathan and they succeeded, but we know their trick already.”

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Edo Governor Sacks Fred Itua, Appoints Dr. Ebojele Akhere Patrick As New Chief Press Secretary

Wale busari02 mins

Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has replaced Fred Itua as Chief Press Secretary, appointing Dr. Ebojele Akhere Patrick as his successor. According to a statement from the Secretary to the State Government, Musa Ikhilor, Itua will complete the handover and await a new assignment to be announced later. The statement expressed gratitude to Itua for his service and contributions. Dr. Ebojele is described as an accomplished journalist, public administrator, researcher, and lecturer with extensive experience in media, public affairs, and academia. His appointment, the statement noted, reflects the administration’s commitment to improving communication with the people of Edo State and ensuring clear, transparent, and effective dissemination of government policies and activities. Dr. Ebojele’s journalism career includes serving as Edo/Delta Correspondent for Channels Television, as well as holding positions with New Nigerian Newspaper, Champion Newspaper, and Comet Newspapers. He will now take over from Itua as the state’s Chief Press Secretary.

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Obaseki Rejects Edo Assembly Summons As MOWAA And Radisson Probe Remains In Court

Wale busari03 mins

The immediate past Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, has declined to appear before the State House of Assembly’s Ad hoc Committee investigating the funding and ownership of the Museum of West African Arts (MOWAA) and the Radisson Blu hotel. Obaseki, who was scheduled to testify on Thursday, said the matter is already before the courts, making the Assembly’s invitation unnecessary. The panel was set up following a request from Governor Monday Okpebholo to probe the projects, including the state government’s financial involvement in MOWAA and the Radisson hotel. Alongside Obaseki, the Committee, through a letter signed by Secretary Bekisu Wilson, invited several other key figures. These include former Edo Finance Commissioner Joseph Eboigbe, former Attorney-General Oluwole Osaze-Uzzi, and the Managing Director of Tilbury House Nigeria Limited. Other invitees included Pramod Thorat, Project Manager of the Hospitality Investment and Management Company; Ugochukwu Anigbogu, Managing Director of Afrinvest Capital Limited; and the Managing Directors of Meristem Trustees Limited and Emerging Africa Trustees Ltd. The Committee said their appearances were crucial for its investigative work. Obaseki, through his media aide Crusoe Osagie, dismissed the invitation as “offensive and laughable,” insisting it was inappropriate to summon him over a matter already being adjudicated. He added, “The Edo Assembly should understand how the law works. It is sub judice for the former governor to appear before the Assembly on an issue already in court. Why subject him to another round of questioning on the same issues?” MOWAA management has also refused to appear before the Committee. Its lawyer, Olayiwola Afolabi, said the Assembly could only make recommendations, while the courts have the authority to resolve the issues conclusively. Tensions around the museum flared on November 9, when an exhibition intended for investors, artists, and foreign envoys descended into chaos. Protesters claiming the museum belonged to the Oba of Benin stormed the venue, forcing the event to shut down. Viral footage showed foreign dignitaries, including ambassadors from the European Union and Germany, being evacuated under tight security after being trapped by the protesters, raising serious safety concerns.

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Edo Governor Okpebholo Orders Cabinet To Wear Asiwaju Mandate Cap Or Face Sanctions

Wale busari02 mins

Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has ordered all cabinet members to wear the “Asiwaju mandate cap” in support of President Bola Tinubu, warning that defaulters would face sanctions. The directive came during the swearing-in ceremony of commissioners and board members of state agencies and commissions in Benin City on Tuesday. “I will not forgive any commissioner who is not wearing this cap,” the governor said. “During our Exco meetings, if you show up without a suit and the Asiwaju cap, you will be sent back.” Governor Okpebholo attributed the All Progressives Congress’ victory in the state’s last governorship election to President Tinubu’s backing. “This could not have happened without a responsible president. In past elections, the lack of presidential support was a major challenge. Today, we say thank you,” he stated. He emphasized that the appointments were not rewards or patronage, but opportunities for dedicated service. “Our administration is committed to practical governance that directly impacts the lives of our people. Your appointments are for service and sacrifice, not personal enrichment. Your success will be measured by the positive change you bring to Edo communities,” he added. The newly sworn-in commissioners include Vincent Osas Uwadia, Etin-osa Ogbeiwi, Saturday Uwuilekhue Idehen (JP), Charity Amayaenvbo, Nosa Adams, Yakubu Oshiorenua, Felix Akhabue, Omorodion Ignatius, Ohimai Ehijimetor, Eugenia Abdallah, Godwin Afekokhe Eshieshi, Kassim Afegbua, Jerry Uwangue, John Akhigbe, Festus Ebea, Elizabeth Ebosele, Kenneth Okoruwa Ihensekhien, and Usenbo Paul Ehigie.  

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