“Edo Governor Suspends FEWMA Chief Over Turbaning Ceremony Dispute”
In a bold move aimed at restoring order, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has suspended Mr. Ahmed Musa Momoh, the Executive Director and CEO of the State Flood Erosion and Watershed Management Agency (FEWMA). The suspension comes after allegations of insubordination regarding the controversial turbaning ceremony and the appointment of Chiefs and Village Heads in South-Ibie Kingdom.
The suspension follows an official statement issued by Fred Itua, the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, on Saturday in Benin City. According to the statement, Governor Okpebholo’s decision was made in light of the FEWMA chief’s defiance of a government directive regarding the sensitive event. Mr. Momoh, who hails from South-Ibie in the Etsako West Local Government Area, was instructed to immediately relinquish all government property in his possession and proceed on leave pending further instructions from the Governor.
“The Executive Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has approved the suspension of Mr. Ahmed Musa Momoh, effective immediately,” Itua stated. “He has been directed to hand over all government properties to the senior-most official at FEWMA and take an immediate leave of absence.”
The crux of the issue lies in the planned turbaning ceremony and appointments of new Chiefs in the South-Ibie Kingdom. The State Ministry of Local Government, Community and Chieftaincy Affairs had already suspended the event, initially set for January 25, due to growing security concerns. According to reports, the decision was made to avoid potential unrest stemming from the ceremony, but despite the official directive, Mr. Momoh continued to act in ways that risked destabilizing the peace in the community.
The government’s statement noted that the event, originally scheduled to be conducted by Umoru Inusa Umoru, the purported Aidenogie (traditional ruler) of South-Ibie, had been put on hold due to these concerns. Yet, despite the ban, Mr. Momoh allegedly disregarded the suspension, carrying out activities that could have led to further tensions in the region.
The Governor’s office emphasized that all actions by Umoru Inusa Umoru, and any further appointments or installations related to his purported role as Aidenogie, must be halted until proper clearance is obtained from the appropriate authorities.
In light of these developments, the situation in South-Ibie Kingdom remains delicate, and the state government is committed to maintaining peace and security while addressing the underlying issues.
