Newly inaugurated Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has swiftly commenced assembling his cabinet, appointing Barrister Musa Ikhilor as Secretary to the State Government (SSG) in his first executive action following his swearing-in on Tuesday.
In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, the governor also nominated prominent figures for top cabinet positions. Dr. Samson Osagie, a seasoned lawyer and vice president of the African Bar Association (West African Region), has been selected as Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice. Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole, son of former Edo State Governor and current Senator Adams Oshiomhole, has been nominated as Commissioner for Health. Both appointments await confirmation from the Edo State House of Assembly.
Dr. Samson Osagie: Attorney-General Nominee
Dr. Samson Osagie, born on November 11, 1967, in Uhunmwode Local Government Area, is a private legal practitioner and experienced legislator. With a distinguished legal career, Osagie has previously served as Minority Whip in the House of Representatives and has over two decades of active legal practice across Nigeria and Africa. His academic credentials include a law degree from Obafemi Awolowo University, a qualifying certificate from the Nigerian Law School, and multiple advanced degrees in Law, Public Administration, International Relations, and Political Economy.
Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole: Health Commissioner Nominee
Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole, an accomplished medical professional, holds a Bachelor’s degree in Medicine and Surgery from Ahmadu Bello University. He expanded his expertise at Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine in the U.S., where he specialized in Environmental Health, Toxicology, and Disaster Management. He furthered his medical training in Clinical Research at Harvard University and Gastroenterology at Queen Mary University in London.
Barrister Musa Ikhilor: Secretary to the State Government (SSG)
Barrister Ikhilor brings extensive experience in legislative governance, constitutional drafting, and legal consultancy. Born in 1980 and educated at Ahmadu Bello University, where he earned his LL.B and LL.M in Telecommunications Law, Ikhilor has served in various capacities within the National Assembly. His roles have included Senior Special Assistant, Consultant on constitutional review, and most recently as Acting Chief of Staff to the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives. In addition, he holds a Notary Public appointment and is Managing Partner at Springfield Legal Consult.
Governor Okpebholo’s appointments signal a strong commitment to expertise and professionalism within his administration, laying the groundwork for focused governance in Edo State.