Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has announced a major cabinet reshuffle, which includes the dismissal of the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Samson Osagie, and the appointment of Prof. Roland Otaru (SAN) as his replacement.

The announcement came just hours after the governor swore in 19 new commissioners on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, in Benin City.

Osagie’s name was notably absent from the new list of commissioner portfolios, signaling his removal from office. His replacement, Prof. Otaru, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, is expected to bring fresh legal leadership to the state’s justice ministry.

Governor Okpebholo also carried out a minor cabinet reshuffle, redeploying several key officials. The former Commissioner for Information and Communication, Paul Ohonbamu, was replaced by Prince Kassim Afegbua, as the ministry was renamed to the Ministry of Information and Strategy.

Ohonbamu was reassigned to head the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, while Dr. Lucky Eseigbe was moved from that ministry to the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development.

Similarly, Barr. Bisi Idaomi was redeployed from the Ministry of Women Affairs to the newly created Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, while Eugenia Abdallah will now oversee the Ministry of Women Affairs.

The shake-up also saw Osi Akhigbe yet to be assigned a portfolio, while the confirmation of Hon. Chris Okaeben by the Edo State House of Assembly remains pending.

Governor Okpebholo explained that the number of ministries has been increased to 28 as part of a comprehensive administrative restructuring aimed at aligning Edo State’s governance structure with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“This reform is strategic and reflects our SHINE Agenda. It ensures proper alignment with the structure at the Federal level and enhances coordination across ministries,” the governor stated.

Among the newly created ministries are:

Ministry of Livestock Development

Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation

Ministry of Power

Ministry of Labour and Productivity

Additionally, the former Ministry of Mining, Gas and Oil has been split into two distinct ministries — the Ministry of Mining and the Ministry of Oil and Gas Resources, each to be overseen by separate commissioners.

This latest cabinet adjustment underscores Governor Okpebholo’s ongoing efforts to restructure and strengthen the administrative machinery of Edo State for greater efficiency and alignment with national policy goals.