Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
EDO, BENIN CITY – The embattled Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Edo State, Dr. Samson Osagie has been vindicated following his recall by the Governor of the state, Senator Monday Okpebholo, who has earlier suspended him on the ground of financial impropriety.
According to a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Umar Ikhilor, Esq, Osagie was found to be innocent of the alleged financial infractions leveled against him.
The development is coming exactly 37 days after the commissioner of justice was accused of indulging in financial infractions against the Edo State Government.
The letter marked SGA. 15/NOL.XV111/215 and dated March 12,2025 released around 8:15 pm, read: “Having considered the report of the Investigative Panel set up by Government to investigate allegations of financial infractions reported against you, which has exonerated you from the said allegations, I write to convey the directive of the Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo that you resume duties as the State Hon. Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice with effect from 12th March, 2025.”
Reacting to the development, Osagie commended the governor for his frankness
“I appreciate his sincerity of purpose and vision for the state.
“This is a clear indication that His Excellency, Sen Monday Okpebholo, means well for the state
“I use this medium to reinstates my commitment and loyalty to him and his administration.
“I remain committed to joining him to ensure that Edo State recovered all lost ground and take the state to where it should be”, he assured.
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It would be recalled that Governor Okpebholo suspended Barr. Samson Osagie, along with the Chairman of the state Local Government Service Commission, Hon. Damian Lawal, from offices over allegations of financial infractions.
The suspension of the duo which was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday evening by the Secretary to the Edo State Government (SSG), Umar Musa Ikhilor was with immediate effect.
According to the statement, Governor Okpebholo consequently ordered the setting up of a panel to investigate the allegations against Osagie and Lawal and make appropriate recommendations to the governor.
Dr. Samson Osagie
The statement thus 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 Edo State Local Government Service Commission, Hon. Damian Lawal, and the Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Hon. Samson Osagie, over allegations of grave official and financial infractions. The suspension is with immediate effect.
“Consequently, the Governor has ordered the setting up of an Investigative Committee to investigate the allegations levelled against them and make appropriate recommendations accordingly.
“The suspension of Hon. Damian Lawal and the Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice became necessary to enable Government carry out a thorough investigation into the allegation of financial infractions levelled against them. They are to remain suspended pending the conclusion of investigation.”
In his reaction, Dr. Samson Osagie, denied the allegations of financial misconduct leveled against him.
He made the denial in a statement he personally signed the following Thursday morning.
Osagie who criticized the State Government’s failure to confront him with any allegations before his suspension was made publicly, also denied involvement in any financial infractions with anyone.
“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,” Osagie said.
He, however, affirmed his readiness to defend himself and protect his reputation, which he said he has built over the years.
Dr. Samson Osagie’s recall today, is a vindication of his stance that he was innocent of the allegations levelled against him when the news first broke in February, 2025.