Eight months after taking the oath of office, Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State is facing mounting criticism over his failure to constitute a full cabinet — a move political analysts and residents describe as disappointing and detrimental to effective governance.
Governor Okpebholo, who was sworn in on November 12, 2024, following his victory in the September 21 governorship election, has appointed only a handful of commissioners — a development many say mirrors the slow-paced administrative approach of his predecessor, Godwin Obaseki, and former President Muhammadu Buhari, both of whom delayed cabinet appointments during their tenures.
Despite public expectation that Okpebholo would break away from that trend, only about nine commissioners have been appointed since November, including those overseeing education, health, justice, water resources, finance, and information, among others. Critical ministries such as Agriculture and Food Security, Works, Commerce, and Environment remain without commissioners.
Speaking with Reporter, several Edo residents, political observers, and civil society leaders expressed frustration over the delay.
Leftist Agho Omobude, Coordinator-General of Edo Civil Society Organisations (EDOCSO), described the situation as “shocking,” questioning who currently provides policy direction in key ministries.
“If Kogi and Ondo governors could constitute their cabinets within weeks, what is stopping Governor Okpebholo?” he asked. “These delays are not just administrative oversights — they are setbacks for the state’s development.”
Human rights activist Tony Erha recalled that the governor initially received commendation for announcing a few commissioners shortly after inauguration but failed to build on that momentum. “Eight months later, party members are growing agitated. Constituencies feel sidelined,” he added.
Similarly, pensioner Johnbull Osagie argued that the governor’s slow pace stems from a lack of preparedness. “He never thought he would win. That’s why he had no clear governance blueprint,” he said, comparing the current situation to former President Buhari’s delayed cabinet in 2015.
Eric Obi, another retiree, raised constitutional concerns, noting that state funds should not be spent without Executive Council approval. “What we’re seeing is a pseudo-military governance style. It’s contrary to the principles of democracy and accountability,” he stated.
In defense of the governor, Andrew Ewanta, Legal Adviser to the Governor, dismissed claims that the delay was tied to the Supreme Court verdict on Okpebholo’s election. “If he was waiting for the court ruling, he wouldn’t have appointed any commissioners. This governor named some cabinet members on his inauguration day, the first in the state’s history,” Ewanta noted.
He added that appointments to heads of agencies and other strategic roles have been made, and political inclusivity — following defections from opposition parties — is part of the reason for the delay.
Still, political stakeholders and citizens insist that with the legal battle over, Governor Okpebholo must now act decisively.
“The state cannot afford further delay,” one analyst said. “Governance must move from rhetoric to results.”
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