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Category: Edo Update

  • Edo Lawmakers Approve Death Sentence for Kidnapping

    Edo Lawmakers Approve Death Sentence for Kidnapping

    The Edo State House of Assembly has passed a new law imposing the death penalty for kidnapping.

     This decision came on Tuesday as lawmakers reviewed the State Kidnapping Prohibition Law 2025.

    The bill, presented by Majority Leader Charity Aiguobarueghian, was examined clause by clause after a motion was seconded by Minority Leader Henry Okaka, representing Owan East.

     Previously, the 2013 law provided life imprisonment and property confiscation for those involved in kidnapping.

     However, the lawmakers decided to introduce stricter punishment by approving the death sentence while maintaining the seizure of properties linked to the crime.

    In addition to the kidnapping law, the Assembly repealed the Edo State Electricity Law 2022 and established the Edo State Electricity Market, the Edo State Electricity Regulatory Commission, and the Edo Electrification Agency.

    The lawmakers also confirmed Mrs. Kenny Okojie as the chairman of the governing board of the Edo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency.

  • Edo Election Tribunal Reschedules Hearing to January 13

    Edo Election Tribunal Reschedules Hearing to January 13

    The 2024 Edo Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal has postponed proceedings until January 13. 

    The case, filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against the victory of Gov. Monday Okpebholo, contests his win in the September 21 election.

    Okpebholo, of the All Progressives Congress (APC), received 291,667 votes, while PDP’s candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, garnered 247,274 votes.

    During a recent session, the tribunal adopted a pre-hearing report that set the stage for witness testimony.

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     A total of 290 witnesses are expected to be called by both parties, with specific time allocations for questioning. 

    The petitioners will have 21 days to present their witnesses, while respondents will have 10 days each.

     The tribunal will convene daily at 10 a.m., excluding Sundays and public holidays.

  • APC Requests Dismissal of PDP’s Petition Against Okpebholo’s Victory

    APC Requests Dismissal of PDP’s Petition Against Okpebholo’s Victory

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) has urged the Edo Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal to reject the petition filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against the victory of Governor Monday Okpebholo.

     In a motion presented on Wednesday, APC’s lawyer, Ferdinand Orbih, SAN, argued that the PDP’s petition was improperly filed and does not comply with the law. 

    Orbih also claimed the tribunal lacked the authority to hear the case, citing additional points in a motion paper dated November 30. 

    In response, PDP’s lawyer, Ken Mozia, SAN, refuted APC’s claims, presenting counter-arguments to the tribunal.

     The tribunal’s chair, Justice Wilfred Kpochi, deferred a ruling on the matter until the final decision day. 

    The APC also sought to have certain paragraphs in the PDP’s petition struck out. Orbih urged the tribunal to make a decision on this before proceeding with the main case. 

    PDP’s lawyer, however, called for the rejection of the APC’s motion. Justice Kpochi decided that rulings on preliminary motions would be made on the final day.

    The case centers around the PDP’s challenge to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) declaration of Okpebholo’s victory in the September 21 election, where he secured 291,667 votes, defeating the PDP’s candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, who garnered 247,274 votes. 

    The tribunal is set to resume on December 21.

  • Edo Governor, Deputy Seats Declared Vacant At Senate, House Of Reps 

    Edo Governor, Deputy Seats Declared Vacant At Senate, House Of Reps 

    Edo State has seen significant political changes, with both the Senate and House of Representatives declaring seats vacant due to recent elections. 

    The Senate declared the seat for Edo Central Senatorial District vacant after Monday Okpebholo, who previously held the position, was inaugurated as governor of the state in December. 

    The decision followed a letter from Minority Leader Abba Moro, which cited the Nigerian Constitution’s provisions on vacancies for elected officials appointed to higher offices. 

    The Senate has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to organize a by-election to fill the position.

    In a related development, the House of Representatives also declared the seat of Dennis Idahosa vacant. 

    Idahosa, who represented Ovia North East/Ovia South West Federal Constituency, was sworn in as the Deputy Governor of Edo State on November 12.

     Following the declaration, INEC is expected to set a date for a by-election to replace him.

  • Edo State Names Suleiman Aledeh as New Broadcasting Chief

    Edo State Names Suleiman Aledeh as New Broadcasting Chief

    The Edo State Government has appointed Suleiman Aledeh as the Managing Director of Edo Broadcasting Service. 

    This announcement, made through the governor’s office, confirms that Aledeh will assume the role immediately.

    Aledeh, a seasoned journalist and media consultant with over 20 years of experience, has worked with notable international media platforms such as Al Jazeera, SABC, and GB News, UK. 

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    Known for his contributions to broadcast journalism, he has also served as a news anchor for Arise News and Classic FM.

    A graduate of Philosophy from the University of Benin, Aledeh began his broadcasting career at Edo Broadcasting Service during his undergraduate years.

     His journey has spanned various roles, including stints at Ebonyi Radio during his National Youth Service and the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, where he created and hosted influential programs

  • Edo Governor Reshuffles Tertiary Institutions, Hospitals Boards  

    Edo Governor Reshuffles Tertiary Institutions, Hospitals Boards  

    Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has implemented sweeping changes affecting state-owned tertiary institutions and healthcare facilities.  

    The Governing Councils of all state-owned tertiary institutions in Edo State have been dissolved, marking a decisive shift in their administration. 

    Members of the affected councils have been directed to relinquish government properties to the respective heads of their institutions immediately.  

    Additionally, the management teams of Edo Specialist Hospital and Stella Obasanjo Hospital in Benin City have been relieved of their duties. 

    The outgoing officials are required to hand over government assets to the senior officers within their establishments.  

    These changes, outlined in an official announcement dated November 20, 2024, were disclosed by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor. The directive is aimed at ensuring a smooth transition and realignment within the affected institutions.

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  • Okpebholo Names Fred Itua as Chief Press Secretary

    Okpebholo Names Fred Itua as Chief Press Secretary

    Fred Itua has been appointed Chief Press Secretary by Edo State Governor-elect, Senator Monday Okpebholo.

     This marks Okpebholo’s first key appointment as he prepares to assume office from Governor Godwin Obaseki on Tuesday.  

    The announcement, made in Abuja, highlights Itua’s extensive media background. 

    He previously held roles at Leadership and The Sun newspapers and has covered a wide range of topics, including the National Assembly, health, and environmental issues.  

    Itua’s academic journey spans a Bachelor’s degree in English from Ambrose Alli University, a Master’s in Media Arts from the University of Abuja, and ongoing PhD research in Development Communication at Veritas University.  

    As head of the Governor-elect’s media team, Itua is expected to bring his wealth of experience to bear in shaping the administration’s public communications strategy.

  • Edo D/Governor Dispute: Court Directs Omobayo to Appear for Contempt Hearing

    Edo D/Governor Dispute: Court Directs Omobayo to Appear for Contempt Hearing

    The Federal High Court in Abuja has summoned Godwins Omobayo, the Deputy Governor of Edo State, to personally attend court on November 26, responding to allegations that he defied a court order by refusing to vacate the office.

    The summons follows an earlier judgment that reinstated Philip Shaibu to the role after the court invalidated his impeachment by the Edo State House of Assembly.

    Justice James Omotosho emphasized the need for Omobayo to present his defense in line with constitutional rights.

    The summons is part of Shaibu’s ongoing contempt charge, as he seeks to enforce his reinstatement after the court ruled that the assembly’s actions did not meet legal standards.

    Shaibu had initially challenged his impeachment by filing a case against multiple Edo State officials, including the Inspector-General of Police and the Speaker of the House of Assembly.

    On April 8, Omobayo was sworn in as deputy governor, a move Shaibu argues violated the court’s directive.

    With the court’s latest order for personal appearance, it remains to be seen how Omobayo will respond as the case unfolds later this month, just days before the state government’s current term ends on November 12.

  • Edo Guber Poll: Akpata Says He Won’t Be Contesting Outcome

    Edo Guber Poll: Akpata Says He Won’t Be Contesting Outcome

     Labour Party governorship candidate in Edo State, Olumide Akpata, has decided not to contest the outcome of the September 21 election. 

    Akpata, who finished third with 22,763 votes, trailed behind APC’s Monday Okpebholo, who won with 291,667 votes, and PDP’s Asue Ighodalo, who secured 247,274 votes. 

    Despite raising concerns over irregularities and electoral malpractices, Akpata announced that he would not take the matter to the tribunal.

     His decision focuses on pursuing broader electoral reforms rather than challenging the specific results of the contest.

    “My decision not to contest the election results at the tribunal is not an indication of compromise; rather, it is a strategic move aimed at redirecting our energies towards systemic changes that our democracy desperately needs,” he said.

    “This moment calls for a paradigm shift in our approach to electoral reform. We cannot continue to operate within a system that incentivises manipulation and disenfranchisement.”

  • Obaseki Says Shaibu Remains Impeached

    Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has reiterated that his deputy, Philip Shaibu, remains impeached, despite a recent court ruling.

    On Friday, Obaseki responded to a statement attributed to Shaibu, where he warned Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) against the possible looting of government properties by political appointees.

    Obaseki, through his media adviser Crusoe Osagie, urged Edo State workers to dismiss Shaibu’s directives, emphasizing that Shaibu has no authority to issue instructions as he remains impeached.

    The governor reaffirmed that Shaibu’s removal from office is still in effect, pending the court’s final decision, and that the deputy governor holds no power to interfere with the functioning of state employees.

    This comes after the Federal High Court in Abuja, in a July ruling, ordered Shaibu’s reinstatement, stating that due process was not followed during his impeachment by the Edo State House of Assembly.

    The state government and the House of Assembly’s attempt to challenge the court’s decision was dismissed, with costs awarded against them.

    Obaseki’s administration, however, continues to uphold Shaibu’s impeachment while awaiting the court’s definitive ruling on the matter.