By Ogochukwu Isioma
The Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has suspended his Special Adviser on Oil and Gas, Mr. Felix Osemwengie Isere, for allegedly engaging in unauthorized fundraising in the name of the state government.
In a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor, Esq., the governor directed the immediate suspension of Mr. Isere for allegedly using the name of the Edo State Government to solicit funds for a proposed Oil and Gas Summit scheduled to hold in Benin City on Thursday, August 7, 2025.
“It is hereby announced for the information of the General Public that the Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo has ordered the suspension of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Oil and Gas, Felix Osemwengie Isere from office, for unauthorized fund raising, using the name of Edo State Government for the proposed Oil and Gas Summit,” the statement read.
The statement further disclosed that the planned summit has also been suspended. The governor has ordered Mr. Isere to refund all monies collected from various donors in connection with the event.
“In view of the foregoing, the proposed Summit is hereby suspended and Felix Osemwengie Isere has been ordered to refund monies to the various donors,” Ikhilor added.
The Edo State Government also issued a stern warning to prospective donors, urging them to desist from any dealings with the suspended aide.
“Prospective donors are by this announcement advised to desist from dealing with the suspended appointee,” the statement concluded.
The government’s move is seen as part of Governor Okpebholo’s effort to uphold accountability and protect the integrity of his administration.
Isere, a United Kingdom-trained lawyer, was on December 5, 2024, appointed as Special Adviser to the Governor on Oil and Gas.
The suspended governor’s aide hails from Ologbo Village in the oil-rich Ugu Ward of Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo State.
