A group under the aegis of the Aiguobasinmwin Movement Worldwide has accused the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo of systematically sidelining Benin indigenes in appointments and key government positions in Edo State.
In a statement issued on March 10, 2026 and signed by its President, Mr Iyamu Osaro Culture, Secretary General, Mr Osayuki-Osa Benson, and Diaspora Coordinator, Mr Monday Ohuimumwen, the group alleged that several Benin individuals had been removed from positions in government agencies and replaced by persons from other ethnic groups.
The movement pointed out the removal of Barrister Felix Iserere as Special Adviser, the dismissal of Mrs Maureen Ekhoragbon as Chairman of the Board of Technical and Vocational Education, and the replacement of Dr Samson Osagie as Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice as examples of the “pattern”.
It further claimed that Tinyan Otuomagie, former Managing Director of Edo Line, was replaced by an Esan individual, while the General Manager of the Edo State Signage and Advertisement Agency (EDSAA), Destiny Ebagua, was recently replaced by Patrick Aguinede.
According to the group, the development has raised tension among Benin stakeholders who believe the administration is adopting “tribal politics” in its appointments.
The statement alleged that the Benin people, who it said played a significant role in the emergence of Governor Okpebholo during the 2024 governorship election in the state, were now being sidelined in government affairs.
The group also expressed concern that while some officials from other ethnic groups were reportedly redeployed to other agencies, Benin appointees were allegedly being removed outright from their positions.
It further claimed that many grassroots supporters in Edo South who backed the governor during the election were yet to benefit from appointments or government contracts.
The movement described the situation as unacceptable and called on leaders and stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo South to intervene.
“We respectfully call upon Edo South APC leaders and stakeholders to rise above partisan interests and address the bias being exhibited by the Okpebholo-led administration against the Benin nation and its people,” the statement said.
The group urged relevant stakeholders to engage the government to ensure “fairness and inclusiveness” in the distribution of political appointments in the State.
