JUST-IN: Okpebholo Suspends Aide, Sacks EDOFEWMA Boss

Edo State governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo has suspended his Special Adviser on Oil and Gas, Felix Isere over allegations bothering on financial fraud.

The suspension was announced in a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Musa Ikhilor, on Monday, July 28, 2025.

Ikhilor, in the statement alleged that the suspended aide embarked on illegal fund raising for Oil and Gas Summit without the approval of the state government.

The governor also ordered the suspended aide to immediately refund all monies collected from donors.

“It is hereby announced for the information of the General Public that the Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo has ordered the suspension of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Oil and Gas, Felix Osemwengie Isere from office, for unauthorised fund raising, using the name of Edo State Government for the proposed Oil and Gas Summit scheduled to hold in Benin City on Thursday 7” August, 2025.

“In view of the foregoing, the proposed Summit is hereby suspended and Felix Osemwengie Isere has been ordered to refund monies to the various donors.

“Prospective donors, are by this announcement, advised to desist from dealing with the suspended appointee,” the statement read.

In a related development, Governor Okpebholo also sacked the Executive Director/CEO of the Edo State Flood, Erosion and Watershed Management Agency (EDOFEWMA), Ahmed Musa.

Okpebholo has appointed Arch. Fashanu Emmanuel to replace the sacked EDOFEWMA boss, according to a statement also signed by the SGG.

Arch. Fashanu is a seasoned Architect, with experience spanning over two decades.

He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Architecture from the Obafemi Awolowo, University, Ile-Ife in 1999 and a Master’s Degree in Architecture from the University of Jos in 2011.

He is also a Member of the Nigeria Institute of Architects (MNIA).

The statement further added that the appointment takes immediate effect.