Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has just appointed Dr. Cyril Adams Oshiomhole, the son of former governor Adams Oshiomhole, as the new Commissioner for Health. This appointment has sparked a wave of speculation about the actual puppet master behind the scenes. Given Oshiomhole’s influential role in Okpebholo’s campaign, one can only hope the former governor isn’t about to run Edo State from the shadows again.
Okpebholo and his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, were sworn in recently after a victory in the September 2024 governorship election, marking the end of Godwin Obaseki’s tenure. Now, it seems like a political family reunion is on the with the younger Oshiomhole stepping into a critical role. But is this appointment based on merit, or is it just another case of political favoritism?
Cyril Oshiomhole has an impressive academic resume, but let’s not ignore the clear political dynamics at play here. He began his education at St. Anne’s Primary School and then attended Command Secondary School. His journey in higher education took him to Ahmadu Bello University, where he obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Medicine and Surgery. He then moved on to Tulane University in New Orleans for a Master’s in Public Health, specializing in Environmental Health, Toxicology, and Disaster Management. Additionally, he undertook postgraduate studies at Harvard University in Clinical Research and at Queen Mary University in London, focusing on Gastroenterology. Quite the academic portfolio, but we all know that this a thank you gift to Adams Oshiomole
Okpebholo’s administration didn’t stop there. The governor also nominated Samson Osagie, a former national assembly member, as the new Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice. According to Fred Itua, Okpebholo’s spokesperson, Osagie has a long political resume. Called to the Nigerian Bar in 1995, he now serves as Vice President of the African Bar Association (West African Region). He has been a two-term member of both the Edo State House of Assembly and the House of Representatives, even rising to the role of minority whip. Osagie’s appointment, along with Oshiomhole’s, will soon be presented to the Edo State House of Assembly for confirmation. This leaves many wondering whether this is a genuine effort to bring in qualified individuals or just another round of political appointments favoring loyal insiders.
Okpebholo also named Musa Ikhilor as the Secretary to the State Government. Ikhilor comes with over 11 years of experience in legislative drafting, parliamentary administration, and governance. His background in constitutional drafting and legal procedures at the national assembly is noteworthy. Beyond the legal sphere, Ikhilor is involved in business and social work, serving as Managing Partner at Springfield Legal Consult and Executive Director at the Amana Legacy Foundation.
While Okpebholo has assembled a seemingly qualified team, it’s hard to overlook the strategic placement of familiar political faces. With key figures like Oshiomhole’s son in charge of health and seasoned politicians like Osagie in the justice sector, this lineup appears to be a calculated move to consolidate power. It raises questions about whether this administration will truly prioritize the people’s interests or continue the trend of recycling political insiders.
