Mass Resignations Rock Edo State Government As Officials Exit Okpebholo’s Administration

The Edo State Government has experienced a surge of resignations after Governor Monday Okpebholo issued a directive mandating that political appointees and civil servants harbouring electoral ambitions relinquish their positions.

The governor had earlier mandated that all affected officials must resign on or before March 1 in line with the Electoral Act (Amendment) 2026.

The Commissioner for Water Resources and Sanitation, Washington Osifo, formally tendered his resignation in compliance with the directive.

Osifo is reportedly preparing to contest the Uhunmwode/Orhionmwon Federal Constituency seat, currently represented in the House of Representatives by Billy Osawaru.

Also resigning is the Deputy Chief of Staff to the governor, Plus Alile, who is seeking to contest the Egor/Ikpoba-Okha Federal Constituency seat in the forthcoming elections.

Alile’s move marks a shift from his executive role in the state government to legislative ambitions at the national level.

The resignation wave extended beyond the executive council to members of state boards and commissions.

Osaze Igbinovia, a board member of the Edo State Oil and Gas Producing Areas Development Commission, stepped down from his position.

Similarly, Terry Igiebor, who served on the Edo State Audit Commission, relinquished his appointment.

Governor Okpebholo’s directive was aimed at ensuring compliance with provisions of the amended electoral law, which requires public office holders seeking elective positions to resign before participating in party primaries or electoral processes.

The government had stressed that the policy was designed to promote fairness, transparency, and institutional neutrality ahead of the next electoral cycle.