BENIN CITY – Confusion enveloped Edo State’s political landscape on Thursday following the suspension of two key officials in Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration: Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Hon. Samson Osagie, and the Chairman of the Edo State Local Government Service Commission, Hon. Damian Lawani, over alleged financial infractions.
In a letter dated February 5, 2025, and signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Ikhilor, Governor Okpebholo directed the immediate suspension of the officials and the establishment of a committee to investigate the allegations and make recommendations.
The statement read: “It is hereby announced for the information of the general public that the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has approved the suspension from office of the Chairman of the Edo State Local Government Service Commission, Hon. Damian Lawani, and the Honorable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Hon. Samson Osagie, over allegations of grave official and financial infractions.
“Consequently, the Governor has ordered the setting up of an investigative committee to look into the allegations and make appropriate recommendations.
“The suspension of Hon. Damian Lawani and Hon. Samson Osagie became necessary to enable the government to carry out a thorough investigation into the allegations. They are to remain suspended pending the conclusion of the investigation.”
In response, Hon. Samson Osagie denied the allegations, expressing shock over the suspension.
“My attention has just been drawn to a government special announcement dated 5th February 2025, in which I was alleged to have been engaged in financial infractions with the Chairman of the Local Government Service Commission and therefore suspended,” Osagie stated.
He further asserted: “Let me state unequivocally that I am not and was never involved in any financial dealing with anyone nor committed any financial infraction of any kind. I was also not confronted with the said allegations by anyone before my suspension was announced.
“I shall be ready, willing, and prepared to defend myself and prove my innocence in order to clear my name and hard-earned reputation, which I have labored to build over the years.”
Reports suggest conflicting reasons for the governor’s action. One allegation involves deductions from the accounts of the 18 local government areas to fund legal services for an ongoing lawsuit justifying the suspension of local government chairmen months ago.
Another version claims there are complaints about unpaid salaries for categories of local government workers, including primary school teachers.
The investigation committee’s findings are eagerly awaited as political tensions rise over the suspension.
