Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has suspended his Special Adviser on Oil and Gas, Felix Osemwengie Isere, over allegations of unauthorized fundraising for an upcoming oil and gas summit. The decision comes just days before the summit, which had been scheduled to commence on August 7.
The suspension was formally announced in a statement released on Tuesday by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Umar Ikhilor, in Benin City. According to the SSG, the governor also ordered an immediate halt to all activities related to the planned summit.
Governor Okpebholo’s action was triggered by reports that the Special Adviser had embarked on fundraising initiatives without proper authorization or oversight from the relevant state authorities. These activities, carried out in connection with the summit, were said to have bypassed established procedures for official state events.
While full details of the alleged infractions were not disclosed, the state government emphasized the need for transparency, accountability, and due process in all public engagements. The suspension serves as a warning to public officials about the importance of adhering strictly to governance protocols.
The governor has also directed a review of the processes leading to the summit’s planning, including communications with sponsors, stakeholders, and the oil and gas community. There is now uncertainty about whether the event will be rescheduled or permanently cancelled.
This development highlights the Edo State government’s stance on discipline and its zero-tolerance policy for administrative breaches, especially those involving financial matters. It also underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring that public officials act strictly within the bounds of their authority.
Further updates are expected from the state government regarding next steps following the suspension and cancellation of the summit.
