Okpebholo Warns 18 Edo LG Chairs Against Corruption

BENIN CITY, Edo — Governor Monday Okpebholo has urged the newly inaugurated chairmen of Edo State’s 18 local government areas to reject corruption and make grassroots development the priority of their administrations.

Okpebholo gave the charge on Friday, September 4, 2026, during the swearing-in ceremony for the council chairmen at the Festival Hall of the Government House in Benin City.

The governor described the inauguration as the start of a new phase in grassroots governance, stressing that local governments have a direct responsibility to ensure that government programmes and development reach communities.

He also linked the responsibilities of the new council bosses to the renewed emphasis on local government autonomy under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Okpebholo told the chairmen to regard their positions as a responsibility entrusted to them by the people and to demonstrate integrity in the management of public resources.

“Prioritise grassroots development, shun corruption and justify the confidence reposed in you by the people,” the governor said, according to reports by PUNCH and Vanguard.

He further urged the council leaders to complement the state government’s development programmes and ensure residents experience the impact of government at the community level.

The governor also asked the chairmen to strengthen political structures across the grassroots and support President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He said Edo was targeting 2.5 million votes for Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.

The 2.5 million-vote target has previously been publicly mentioned by Okpebholo. Channels Television reported in May that the governor said the target was achievable, while PUNCH reported in July that the Edo APC had also projected the figure following its performance in the local government election.

Responding on behalf of the newly inaugurated chairmen, Oredo Local Government Chairman Gabriel Iduseri expressed appreciation to the governor and pledged transparent and people-focused leadership.

Iduseri said the new council administrations were prepared to work with the state government’s SHINE Agenda and the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda to deliver development in their respective local government areas.

The inauguration comes against the backdrop of earlier disputes involving Edo’s local government administration. In December 2024, Okpebholo suspended the then 18 council chairmen amid allegations relating to financial management and insubordination, while the affected officials challenged aspects of the action.

With the new chairmen now taking office, Okpebholo LG chairmen are expected to focus on service delivery, accountability and development at the grassroots.

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