Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has approved a minor cabinet reshuffle aimed at strengthening coordination, efficiency, and service delivery across key sectors of the state government.
The changes, which took effect on January 30, 2026, were announced in a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Umar Ikhilor, and affect three senior positions within the executive arm.
Under the new arrangement, Yakubu Oshiorenua Musa, who previously served as Commissioner for Lands and Housing, has been appointed Chief of Staff to the Governor. Musa replaces Gani Audu, who held the position until the latest reshuffle.
In a related move, Vincent Osas Uwadiae has been redeployed from the Ministry of Oil and Gas Resources to assume leadership of the Ministry of Lands and Housing, a portfolio regarded as central to the state’s urban development and housing delivery strategy.
Meanwhile, the outgoing Chief of Staff, Gani Audu, has been nominated as Commissioner for Oil and Gas Resources, subject to confirmation by the Edo State House of Assembly, in line with constitutional provisions.
According to the state government, the reshuffle is part of Governor Okpebholo’s broader effort to realign responsibilities, deploy experience more effectively, and improve policy execution as the administration moves into a more implementation-focused phase.
“The governor is confident that the adjustments will enhance coordination, policy implementation, and overall governance in the state,” the statement said.
Focus on performance and governance
The cabinet adjustments come amid increasing expectations for accelerated delivery across land administration, housing development, and resource management in Edo State. Analysts note that the Lands and Housing Ministry, in particular, plays a critical role in addressing urban growth pressures, property regulation, and housing accessibility.
Similarly, the Oil and Gas Ministry remains strategic for Edo’s economic diversification drive, especially as the state positions itself to attract energy-related investments and maximise resource-based revenue.
By reshuffling the cabinet, the Okpebholo administration appears to be prioritising experience-based deployment and administrative efficiency, a move often adopted by state governments seeking to strengthen governance outcomes without a wholesale cabinet overhaul.
Legislative confirmation expected
While the appointments and redeployments are already in effect, the nomination of Gani Audu as commissioner remains subject to legislative approval. The Edo State House of Assembly is expected to consider the confirmation in the coming days.
Observers say the smooth confirmation of the nomination would complete the reshuffle process and allow the affected ministries to resume full operations without disruption.
Since assuming office, Governor Okpebholo has consistently emphasised discipline, performance monitoring, and institutional coordination as pillars of his administration. The latest cabinet changes are viewed as a continuation of that governance approach.
As the administration settles into the new structure, attention will now shift to how effectively the reshuffled team translates policy direction into tangible outcomes for residents of the state.
