Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, took bold action on Thursday, ordering an immediate freeze on all state government bank accounts. The directive, communicated through his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, mandates strict compliance from commercial banks, heads of ministries, departments, and agencies, warning of “severe punishment” for any breaches.
“All bank accounts in commercial banks have been frozen,” Governor Okpebholo stated. “No funds are to be withdrawn until further notice. Heads of MDAs must ensure full compliance as we investigate and reconcile government finances.”
Alongside the freeze on state funds, Okpebholo ordered the Commissioner of Police to quell violent cult clashes within 48 hours. The governor’s statement emphasised the urgency of restoring safety, particularly in Benin City, where rival cult groups have intensified bloodshed. “Edo must be safe. Cultism cannot be allowed here,” he asserted. “I expect an end to these killings within 48 hours. Trouble-causing associations remain banned, and police must enforce this ban rigorously.”
In other decisive moves, the governor rebranded the Ministry of Roads and Bridges as the Ministry of Works, criticising the previous administration’s lack of infrastructure progress. “It’s absurd to call it ‘Roads and Bridges’ when no bridge, not even a pedestrian one, was constructed,” he remarked, ordering immediate updates to official designations.
Addressing supporters at a thanksgiving service in Benin, Okpebholo attributed his electoral victory on September 21 to divine intervention. Recounting challenges and symbolic opposition he faced, he revealed, “After the election, I found a dead bat on my bed. But God’s hand delivered me without any recourse to native doctors or prophets.” The governor called on citizens to “trust in God alone” amid life’s trials.
The thanksgiving event, held at Sam Ogbemudia Stadium, was attended by leading politicians, clergy, and members of the public, celebrating what the governor described as “a victory won through faith.”
