In a surprising shake-up, Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has suspended his Special Adviser on Oil and Gas, Felix Osemwengie Isere, over allegations of unauthorized fundraising linked to an upcoming Oil and Gas Summit.
The suspension was made public via a statement released on Tuesday by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Umar Ikhilor, in Benin City.
According to the statement, the governor was not informed of nor did he approve the fundraising activities carried out by Isere in preparation for the summit, which was scheduled to begin on August 7.
“Due to the breach, the proposed summit is suspended, and Isere is directed to refund all monies collected from donors for the event,” the SSG stated.
The government also issued a stern warning to potential donors, advising them to cease all engagements with the suspended adviser.
The suspension has sparked fresh conversations about transparency and accountability within the state’s executive arm, especially concerning public-private partnerships and fundraising for official events.
