Governor Okpebholo Faces Public Backlash Over Eight-Month Delay in Appointing Full Cabinet
Governor Okpebholo faces backlash over delay in appointing full cabinet eight months after inauguration.
Critics warn the gap stalls governance and mirrors past administrations’ slow start in Edo State.
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, is under growing pressure from citizens, civil society groups, and political analysts over his prolonged delay in constituting a full cabinet, eight months after assuming office on November 12, 2024.
Despite being hailed for appointing a few commissioners early in his administration, Okpebholo has since made limited progress in filling key executive roles. As of July 12, 2025, only about nine commissioners have been appointed out of the over 25 expected, raising concerns about governance stagnation, especially in critical ministries such as Agriculture, Works, and Environment.
Stakeholders argue that the delay mirrors the controversial cabinet formation lags seen during former Governor Godwin Obaseki’s second term and the administration of late President Muhammadu Buhari. This has come as a surprise to many, considering the All Progressives Congress (APC), Okpebholo’s party, had previously criticized such delays.
Civil society leaders, including Leftist Agho Omobude of the Edo Civil Society Organisations (EDOCSO), described the situation as disappointing and harmful to governance. “If governors in Kogi and Ondo could swiftly constitute their cabinets, what’s holding Edo back?” Omobude questioned, warning that the administration is losing valuable time for impactful governance.
Critics also worry that the absence of a whole State Executive Council (EXCO) affects the governor’s ability to allocate state funds and effectively and lawfully implement policies. Pensioner and rights advocate Mr. Eric Obi raised legal concerns, noting that the governor may be operating without full constitutional backing in making fiscal decisions.
Human rights activist Tony Erha and others emphasized that local constituencies are feeling neglected due to the lack of representation in the cabinet. Many party loyalists are reportedly agitated, expecting swift appointments to give their communities a voice in governance.
Defending the delay, Andrew Ewanta, Legal Adviser to the Governor, dismissed claims that Okpebholo was stalling for the Supreme Court’s judgment on the 2024 election. “This is the first governor in Edo history to announce cabinet members on inauguration day,” he said, adding that several heads of agencies and special advisers have been appointed and that the administration is “moving at full pace.”
Nonetheless, political observers insist that forming a complete cabinet is essential for transparency, effectiveness, and legal governance. With the Supreme Court having affirmed his electoral victory, the public consensus is that Governor Okpebholo must now act swiftly to restore confidence in his administration.
