By Ogochukwu Isioma
Barely days after the resignation deadline issued by the Edo State Government took effect, three top appointees in the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo have stepped down from their positions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Those who have resigned include the Deputy Chief of Staff, Hon. Pius Alile; the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Sir (Dr.) Lucky Eseigbe; and the Commissioner for Water Resources and Sanitation, Hon. (Barr.) Washington Osa-Osifo.
Alile, in a statement announcing his resignation, expressed gratitude to Governor Okpebholo and his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, for the opportunity to serve in the state executive council.
“I am deeply grateful to His Excellency for the trust placed in me and the privilege to serve our dear state at this level,” Alile said. “It has been a rewarding experience working alongside committed leaders in the pursuit of good governance and sustainable development.”
He described his time in office as one marked by learning, service and dedication to the advancement of the state, adding that it was an honour to contribute to the administration’s developmental agenda. He also thanked colleagues, stakeholders and the people of Edo State for their support during his tenure, reaffirming his commitment to the progress of the state.
While he did not expressly state his next political move, sources close to him indicated that his resignation aligns with his future political aspirations to become a House of Representatives’ member for Egor/Ikpoba-Okha Federal Constituency.
In a related development, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Sir (Dr.) Lucky Eseigbe, has also resigned his appointment. He is set to contest for the Esan Central/Esan West/Igueben Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives in 2027.
Similarly, the Commissioner for Water Resources and Sanitation, Hon. (Barr.) Washington Osa-Osifo, has stepped down to pursue his aspiration to represent Orhionmwon/Uhunmwode Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.
The resignations are seen as compliance with the earlier directive conveyed by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor, which required all political appointees and public servants intending to contest in the forthcoming electoral cycle to resign on or before March 1, 2026, in line with the Electoral Act Amendment 2026.
With the deadline now elapsed, more resignations may follow as aspirants reposition themselves for the 2027 race.