Edo Governor Okpebholo Makes Key Appointments, Including Former Lawmakers, Oshiomhole’s Son

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has appointed Barrister Musa Ikhilor as the Secretary to the State Government (SSG). The announcement, which marked Okpebholo’s first official appointments since taking office on Tuesday, introduced several notable figures to his administration.

Dr. Samson Osagie, a former federal lawmaker, has been nominated as the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, while Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole, son of former Governor and current Senator Adams Oshiomhole, has been chosen to lead the state’s health ministry as Commissioner for Health.

These appointments, as detailed in a press release from Fred Itua, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, are subject to confirmation by the Edo State House of Assembly.

Profiles of the Nominees

Dr. Samson Osagie

A seasoned legal practitioner, Dr. Osagie brings extensive experience to the role of Attorney-General. Called to the Nigerian Bar in 1995, he has served as a member of the Edo State House of Assembly and the House of Representatives, where he held the position of Minority Whip. He holds a law degree from Obafemi Awolowo University, along with multiple master’s degrees and a doctorate in Political Economy and Development Studies. Osagie is also Vice President of the African Bar Association for the West African Region, with a record of providing legal consultancy services across Nigeria and Africa.

Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole

Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole, the nominee for Health Commissioner, has built a distinguished career in public health and clinical research. His academic background includes a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery from Ahmadu Bello University and advanced studies at Tulane University and Harvard University. He also received postgraduate training in gastroenterology from Queen Mary University in London. His expertise spans environmental health, toxicology, and disaster management.

Barrister Musa Ikhilor

Appointed as the Secretary to the State Government, Barrister Ikhilor holds an LL.B from Ahmadu Bello University and an LL.M in Telecommunications Law. With over a decade of experience in legislative governance, he has worked as a consultant on Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution review and has held senior advisory roles in the National Assembly. Ikhilor is also a Notary Public, managing partner of Springfield Legal Consult, and executive director at Amana Legacy Foundation.