Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has suspended his Special Adviser on Oil and Gas, Felix Osemwengie Isere, over allegations of unauthorized fundraising linked to a proposed oil and gas summit in the state. The suspension was announced through a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Umar Ikhilor, on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 ¹ ².
Details of the Suspension
- *Alleged Unauthorized Fundraising*: Felix Osemwengie Isere is accused of soliciting funds from individuals and organizations for the planned Oil and Gas Summit without official approval.
- *Cancellation of the Summit*: The proposed summit, scheduled to begin on August 7, 2025, has been canceled due to the breach of protocol.
- *Refund of Collected Monies*: Isere has been directed to refund all monies collected from donors for the event ³ ².
Government's Stance
The Edo State Government has emphasized its commitment to accountability and transparency, with Governor Okpebholo taking swift action against misconduct among public officials. The government has also warned prospective donors to desist from engaging with the suspended adviser ³.
Implications
The suspension of Felix Osemwengie Isere underscores the importance of adhering to official protocols and guidelines in government dealings. It also highlights Governor Okpebholo's administration's focus on maintaining integrity and accountability in governance ⁴.
