Governor Monday Okpebholo’s inaugural appointments, though touted as a step toward strengthening the governance of Edo State, have instead raised serious concerns about his commitment to reform. Rather than charting a fresh course or breaking free from the entrenched politics of old, Okpebholo has chosen to entrench the very forces that many hoped his leadership would transcend. His decision to appoint Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole, the son of former Governor Adams Oshiomhole, to the critical position of Commissioner for Health, is perhaps the most glaring indication that this administration is more about perpetuating godfatherism than ushering in true political change.
The appointment of Cyril Oshiomhole, a man with undeniable familial ties to the state’s most powerful political (arguably) figure, sends a troubling signal. It is no secret that the Oshiomhole family has been at the heart of Edo politics for years, with the former governor who started a chant of “no more godfather in Edo politics” wielding significant influence over some successive administrations. While Cyril may have individual credentials, his selection speaks more to his last name than to his qualifications. This is a classic case of godfatherism which his dad once stood and campaigned against, where power is handed down through familial lines rather than earned through merit.
Okpebholo’s decision to place the health portfolio in the hands of a man whose name is synonymous with political patronage is deeply troubling. Health, one of the most vital sectors in any state, deserves leadership based on experience, vision, and a deep understanding of the challenges facing citizens. Instead, Edo State finds itself with a commissioner who will be more concerned with preserving the interests of his father than addressing the urgent needs of the people.
Furthermore, while other appointments such as Barrister Musa Ikhilor as Secretary to the State Government (SSG) and Dr. Samson Osagie as Attorney-General may seem more grounded in merit, the pattern emerging is clear: these selections still heavily reflect the old guard’s grip on power. Okpebholo’s cabinet so far, while experienced, is undeniably populated by figures who owe their positions not just to their qualifications but to their close associations with influential political figures. The notion of merit-based appointments feels increasingly like a veneer for the consolidation of power within a small, politically elite circle.
This is not the change Edo State needs. For years, the people of the state have been subjected to the whims of political godfathers who operate behind the scenes, pulling strings and determining the course of governance. Okpebholo’s early choices suggest that he may be more interested in maintaining these power dynamics than in reforming the system. The Oshiomhole legacy, for better or worse, continues to hold sway over the state, and Okpebholo’s decision to perpetuate this dynasty with Cyril’s appointment indicates a lack of vision for real political renewal.
Critics of godfatherism have long argued that this system of political patronage fosters corruption, stifles transparency, and ensures that power remains in the hands of a few, irrespective of their competency. Okpebholo’s first moves only reinforce these concerns, and the people of Edo deserve better. A true leader would have used this opportunity to demonstrate independence from the political structures that have held the state back for so long. Instead, Okpebholo has opted to continue the same old practices that have undermined public trust in government.
The governor’s early missteps are more than just symbolic; they set the tone for his administration. If Okpebholo intends to build a lasting legacy, he must move beyond the cronyism that has plagued Edo politics for years. The appointment of Cyril Oshiomhole is a stark reminder that change in Edo may remain elusive as long as power is handed down through family ties rather than earned through public service.
For Okpebholo, the opportunity to prove himself as a reformer has been squandered. If he does not rethink this pattern of appointments, he risks becoming just another chapter in Edo’s long history of political patronage, rather than the catalyst for a new era of governance. The people of Edo State deserve an administration that values competence, inclusivity, and true democratic principles—not one that continues to prioritize familial allegiance and political legacy over the public good.