Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has officially sworn in 20 newly confirmed commissioners on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, following their screening and approval by the Edo State House of Assembly. The ceremony, held in Benin City, comes amid growing speculations of an imminent cabinet reshuffle, causing unease among some current members of the State Executive Council.
Governor Okpebholo had earlier appointed nine commissioners shortly after his inauguration in November 2024. However, in August 2025, he began nominating additional commissioners to expand his cabinet. Out of the 21 nominees, only Hon. Chris Okaeben has yet to be confirmed by the House due to an ongoing petition before the Department of State Security (DSS). With the swearing-in of the 20, political observers suggest that some ministries may soon experience leadership changes.
Reliable sources within government circles hinted that Hon. Samson Osagie, the current Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, and Hon. Paul Ohonbamu, who oversees media affairs, could be among those affected. Reports claim that Prof. Roland Otaru (SAN) might replace Osagie, while Prince Kassim Afegbua could take over from Ohonbamu. Afegbua, a seasoned journalist and former Information Commissioner, is said to have earned the governor’s admiration after defending him on a national TV programme where Ohonbamu allegedly faltered.
Inside sources suggest that the governor views Afegbua’s potential inclusion as a way to revamp the government’s media and public relations structure, which has recently faced heavy criticism from the opposition. Members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) have accused the governor’s media handlers of being “ineffective and unresponsive,” particularly in addressing governance and security concerns.
Reacting on Facebook, Hon. Shedrach Udugbai, a PDP chieftain, labelled the governor’s media team as “the greatest failures,” alleging that despite heavy funding, they have failed to manage the administration’s public image. He urged Governor Okpebholo to reshuffle his media team and bring in more competent hands to counter opposition criticism. With the new commissioners now in office, Edo’s political watchers are waiting to see if the governor will indeed shake up his cabinet or maintain his current line-up.
