Oshiomhole Defends Son’s Appointment as Edo Health Commissioner

Former Governor of Edo State and current Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, has defended the appointment of his son, Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole, as the state’s Commissioner for Health. The appointment, made by Governor Monday Okphebolo in November, has sparked criticism, with opponents accusing the governor of state capture in exchange for Oshiomhole’s support during the election.

In an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Oshiomhole acknowledged his initial concerns about the appointment but emphasized that his son was well-qualified for the role. He revealed that he had previously discouraged Cyril from seeking political office, even rejecting his bid for a House of Representatives seat twice.

“I did express my concerns when I heard [about the appointment]. I called him and expressed my concerns. I expressed those concerns to the governor,” Oshiomhole said. Despite this, he accepted his son’s independence, noting that he had invested in Cyril’s education, which included a medical degree from Ahmadu Bello University and postgraduate studies at universities in the US, including Harvard and one in Louisiana. Oshiomhole added, “Dr. Cyril is not having it because he is Oshiomhole; I will say he is having it in spite of being Oshiomhole.”