A civic advocacy group, Aiguobasinmwin Movement, has accused Governor Monday Okpebholo-led government in Edo State of justice for endorsing Pikolo company in soliciting funds for Edo Festival 2026.
The allegation is on contravention of section 57(12) of Nigeria’s Public Procurement Act (2007), which prohibits any government official, including Daniel Eromosele, better known as Pikolo ― the Special Adviser on Protocol (Chief Protocol Officer) to the Governor from having an interest in government business.
President and the Secretary General of the Aiguobasinmwin Movement, Worldwide, Iyamu Osaro Culture and
Osayuki-Osa Benson said in a statement, cited conflicts of interest, and wondered why the State Ministry of Arts, Culture and Tourism, which now has a substantive Commissioner, and other relevant agencies seem lethargic.
The group also alleged double standards in government, which previously dismissed Mr. Felix Isere for the same offense of allegedly using a private company to solicit funds for a State programme, chose to endorse the illegality despite his anti- corruption posture.
The group therefore called for the immediate disengagement and sack of Pikolo Company from the organization of Edo Festival 2026 in the interest of transparency, due process, and protection of government funds.
The statement reads in part: “During the organization of Edo Festival 2025, we were informed that the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Tourism had no substantive Commissioner in place. On that basis, Pikolo Company was granted the mandate to organize the Festival.
“Following the appointment of Hon. Chris Okaeben as substantive Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Tourism, why will Pikolo Company unveiled Edo Festival 2026 as he did in 2025 and by what authority is Pikolo Company still empowered to organize Edo Festival 2026, without the direct supervision and approval of the Ministry of Art, Culture and Tourism?
“Our Position: It is public record that the Edo State Government previously dismissed Mr. Felix Isere for the same offense of using a private company to solicit funds for a State programme.
“Government policy and due process do not permit private companies to raise funds directly for State cultural programs without Ministry oversight, approval, and accountability”, the citizens-led group said.
The group also advised the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Tourism must take direct supervision of the Festival in line with its statutory mandate.
“We hereby gives the Commissioner For Art, Culture and Tourism 24 hours from the date and time of this notice to publicly explain to Edo people: The legal and administrative basis for the continued engagement of Pikolo Company, without the direct supervision of your Ministry.
“Failure to provide a satisfactory public explanation within the stipulated time will leave Aiguobasinmwin Movement Worldwide with no option but to escalate this matter through all lawful and constitutional means available to us”, according to the group.
