In a swift move to uphold law and order in Edo State, Governor Monday Okpebholo has suspended Mr. Ahmed Musa Momoh, the Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of the State Flood Erosion and Watershed Management Agency (FEWMA). The suspension follows allegations of insubordination linked to the planned turbaning ceremony and appointment of Chiefs and Village Heads in South-Ibie Kingdom, Etsako West Local Government Area.
The suspension, announced on Saturday by Fred Itua, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, takes immediate effect. The Governor’s office stated that the decision was in response to actions taken by Momoh that went against a directive issued by the State Ministry of Local Government, Community and Chieftaincy Affairs. According to the ministry, the ceremony, initially set for January 25, 2025, was suspended due to escalating security concerns.
In a bid to avoid further unrest, the Governor ordered Momoh to immediately hand over all government properties in his possession to the most senior public servant in the FEWMA agency. He has also been placed on leave pending further instructions from the Governor. The decision marks a serious stance by the State Government against any potential disruption of public peace.
The controversial turbaning and chieftaincy appointments were set to be carried out by Umoru Inusa Umoru, the purported Aidenogie of South-Ibie, a position now under scrutiny. Despite the State Government’s official suspension of the event, reports indicate that the suspended FEWMA boss disregarded the directive and went ahead with actions that the government believes threatened peace in the community.
The controversy surrounding this issue highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the Edo State Government in managing local politics and ensuring security across various communities. Governor Okpebholo’s suspension of Ahmed Musa Momoh signals a strong effort to maintain governance integrity and prevent further escalation of tensions in South-Ibie Kingdom.