Okpebholo Reshuffles Cabinet, Names New Chief of Staff

Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has announced a minor but strategic reshuffle of his cabinet, a move aimed at optimizing the administration’s “SHINE” agenda and enhancing service delivery. The restructuring, which involves the redeployment of key officials and a change in the Governor’s top aide, officially takes effect today, January 30, 2026.

The highlight of the reshuffle is the appointment of Hon. Yakubu Oshiorenua Musa as the new Chief of Staff to the Governor. Musa, who until this appointment served as the Commissioner for Lands and Housing, is a seasoned administrator expected to bring fresh coordination to the Governor’s Office.

In a reciprocal move, the former Chief of Staff, Hon. Gani Audu, has been nominated to transition into the state executive council as the Commissioner for Oil and Gas Resources. Audu’s nomination has been forwarded to the Edo State House of Assembly for formal confirmation.

Further adjustments saw Barrister Vincent Osas Uwadiae redeployed from his position at the Ministry of Oil and Gas Resources to take over Musa’s former portfolio at the Ministry of Lands and Housing. The Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor, noted that these changes were part of ongoing efforts to ensure that experience is matched with the most critical sectors of the state’s economy.

Governor Okpebholo expressed firm confidence that these “strategic adjustments” would sharpen the administration’s focus on policy implementation and institutional efficiency. The reshuffle comes just a month after the Governor presented a N940 billion “Budget of Hope and Growth” to the Assembly, signaling a pivot toward aggressive infrastructure and security development for the 2026 fiscal year.

The changes also come at a time of high activity in the state’s political landscape, following the recent impeachment of the Akoko-Edo Local Government Chairman on allegations of financial recklessness. By tightening his cabinet, Okpebholo appears to be sending a message of accountability and renewed vigor in the final stretch toward the 2027 election cycle.