By Ogochukwu Isioma
The Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has approved a minor cabinet reshuffle aimed at strengthening governance, enhancing service delivery and improving administrative efficiency across the state.
The announcement was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor, Esq., titled “Government Special Announcement: Minor Cabinet Reshuffle to Strengthen Governance and Efficiency.”
According to the statement, “It is hereby announced for the information of the General Public that His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has approved a minor reshuffle in the Edo State Executive Council as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen governance, enhance service delivery, and promote greater efficiency in the administration of state affairs.”
As part of the approved changes, Barrister Vincent Osas Uwadiae has been redeployed from the Ministry of Oil and Gas Resources to the Ministry of Lands and Housing. The statement noted that “Barr. Vincent Osas Uwadiae, Commissioner for Oil and Gas Resources, is hereby redeployed to the Ministry of Lands and Housing as Commissioner.”
In a key development, Hon. Yakubu Oshiorenua Musa, who previously served as Commissioner for Lands and Housing, has been appointed as the new Chief of Staff to the Governor. The announcement stated that “Hon. Yakubu Oshiorenua Musa, Commissioner for Lands and Housing, is appointed as Chief of Staff to the Governor, Governor’s Office.”
Meanwhile, the outgoing Chief of Staff, Hon. Gani Audu, has been nominated to return to the State Executive Council as Commissioner for Oil and Gas Resources. According to the release, “Hon. Gani Audu, Chief of Staff to the Governor, is nominated to resume as Commissioner for Oil and Gas Resources, subject to confirmation by the Edo State House of Assembly.”
The government clarified that the reshuffle takes immediate effect, as “This minor cabinet reshuffle takes effect from 30th January, 2026.”
Reaffirming the Governor’s confidence in the affected officials, the statement added that “His Excellency expresses confidence that these strategic adjustments will further enhance coordination, policy implementation, and effective governance in Edo State.”