Governor Monday Okpebholo’s decision to rename Edo State University, Uzairue to Edo University, Iyamho by executive order has drawn criticism, with legal experts and political commentators branding the move as both unlawful and overreaching.
The December 30 press statement indicated that the change was to be implemented “…with immediate effect”.
The university, created in 2014 as a fee-paying, autonomous institution, has undergone name changes in the past—but only through proper legislative amendments. The most recent change, from Edo University, Iyamho to Edo State University, Uzairue was in 2020.
Reacting to the development, Constitutional Lawyer Barr. Anthony Ehilebo said the move “is executive overreach at its worst. The Governor has no legal authority to rename a university without legislative approval. This is not governance.”
LEADERSHIP reports that recently Governor Okpebholo faced a backlash for initiating the attempted suspension of local government chairmen, an action that was reversed by a high court order.
Commenting on the suspension, the Attorney General of the Federation Chief Lateef Fagbemi issued a public statement emphasising the fact that governors and state assemblies cannot suspend or dissolve local government councils.
Goodluck Osaretin, the People’s Democratic Party Spokesperson while also reacting said, “This is part of a pattern of disregard for democratic norms. From illegal suspensions of local government chairmen to this attempt to rename the university by fiat, the Governor is eroding public trust in governance.”
The controversy has reignited debates about the autonomy of state institutions. Legal analysts warn that such unilateral actions create instability and set dangerous precedents. They urged the Governor to retract his directive and initiate proper legislative procedures if the name change is necessary.
