The Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has indefinitely suspended the Executive Director and CEO of the Edo State Flood, Erosion, and Watershed Management Agency (FEWMA), Mr. Ahmed Musa Momoh, on allegations of insubordination.
Reports stated that the suspension was confirmed in a press statement issued by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, and is effective immediately.
The statement read; “The Executive Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has approved the suspension of the Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of Edo State Flood, Erosion and Watershed Management Agency (FEWMA), Mr. Ahmed Musa Momoh, effective immediately.”
Mr. Momoh has been directed to hand over all government property in his custody to the most senior public servant in the agency. He is to proceed on leave of absence immediately, pending further instructions from Governor Okpebholo.
In a related development, the Edo State Ministry of Local Government, Community, and Chieftaincy Affairs has suspended the proposed turbaning ceremony and appointment of Chiefs and Village Heads in South Ibie Kingdom. The event, initially scheduled for Saturday, January 25, 2025, in Iyakpi, South Ibie, raised concerns due to potential security risks.
The ministry indicated that the installation of new Chiefs and Clan Heads was to be carried out by Umoru Inusa Umoru, who claims to be the Aidenogie of South Ibie. However, the government stepped in to halt the process.
“In light of the security threats at the disposal of the Ministry of Local Government, Community, and Chieftaincy Affairs, the proposed Turbaning Ceremony and the appointment of Chiefs and Village Heads by Umoru Inusa Umoru are hereby put on hold”, the ministry stated.
“Any other actions planned by Umoru in his capacity as the purported Aidenogie of South Ibie must be halted immediately, pending clearance from the appropriate authorities.”
Despite the government’s directives, it is alleged that Mr. Momoh defied instructions and took actions perceived as destabilizing to the peace of the South Ibie community. This reportedly played a role in the decision to suspend him.
The suspension underscores Governor Okpebholo’s commitment to preserving peace, maintaining law and order, and addressing any activities that may threaten the stability of Edo State.
