Edo Governor Suspends Attorney General, LG Chairman Over Alleged Financial Fraud

By Achimi Muktar

In a dramatic turn of events, the Edo State government has suspended its Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Samson Osagie, along with the Chairman of the Local Government Service Commission, Damian Lawani, over allegations of financial misconduct.

The bombshell announcement was made on Thursday morning by Musa Ikhilor, Secretary to the State Government, who revealed that Governor Monday Okpebholo had taken swift action pending an official investigation.

The suspension, which took immediate effect, follows accusations of “grave official and financial infractions”, raising serious concerns about corruption at the highest levels of the state administration.

"It is hereby announced for the information of the general public that Governor Monday Okpebholo has approved the suspension from office of the Chairman of Edo Local Government Service Commission, Damian Lawani, and Commissioner for Justice, Samson Osagie, over allegations of grave official and financial infractions," the statement read.

To ensure transparency, an investigative committee has been set up to probe the allegations and make recommendations on the next steps.

“The suspension of Osagie and Lawani became necessary to enable the government to carry out a thorough investigation into the allegations of financial infractions leveled against them," Ikhilor explained.

While the nature and extent of the alleged financial misdeeds remain undisclosed, the swift action by Governor Okpebholo signals his administration’s zero tolerance for corruption.

The scandal is already generating intense debate across the state, with many residents wondering how deep the alleged financial fraud runs. With both officials occupying critical positions in the legal and governance structure of the state, their suspension raises concerns about the integrity of public office in Edo.

Political analysts believe this move could be a bold statement by Governor Okpebholo, who is still in the early months of his administration. “This is a clear warning to public officials that corruption will not be tolerated,” a political observer noted.

As the investigative committee begins its work, all eyes will be on whether criminal charges will follow or if the officials will be reinstated after clearing their names.

For now, the Edo government is sending a strong message—accountability and transparency will be enforced, no matter how high-ranking the officials involved.