Okpebholo Defends State Assembly Financial Autonomy Law Amendment

Governor Monday Okpebholo has defended the recent amendment of the Edo State House of Assembly Financial Autonomy Law and the Judicial Autonomy Law, saying the changes were introduced to strengthen transparency, accountability and due process in the management of public funds.

The governor, who spoke when traditional rulers from Esan South-East local government area led by the Onojie of Ubiaja, His Royal Highness Curtis Iredia Eidinojie I, visisted him at the Government House, Benin City.

He said the amendments became necessary to prevent misuse of public funds and ensure greater accountability in the execution of constituency projects.

Okpebholo alleged that despite budgetary allocations, no constituency project had been executed since September 2025, insisting that the Assembly’s constitutional responsibility is to appropriate funds and not undertake the execution of projects.

He said concentrating such responsibilities in one individual without adequate checks and balances was inconsistent with due process.

The governor said under the amended law, constituency projects would now be domiciled in the relevant ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), while the lawmakers retain their oversight role through budget appropriation and project monitoring to ensure compliance with approved specifications.

Okpebholo also urged the traditional rulers to mobilise grassroots support for President Bola Tinubu’s administration, maintaining that the federal government’s economic reforms had increased resources available to Edo State for infrastructure and development projects, adding that sustaining the reforms would require continued public support.

Speaking on behalf of the delegation, the Onojie of Ugboha, His Royal Highness Ukata Odigie, said the royal fathers visited to appreciate the governor for supporting the emergence of Hon. Sunny Ojiezele as Majority Leader of the Edo State House of Assembly.

He also commended the administration for ongoing development projects, particularly the redevelopment of Ramat Park.

Also on Monday, Governor Okpebholo received the spouses of members of the Edo State House of Assembly, who paid him a courtesy visit at Government House to celebrate his birthday.