Edo State Government Suspends Key Officials Over Serious Allegations

The Edo State Government has taken swift action by suspending two of its top officials—Samson Osagie, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, and Damian Lawani, the Chairman of the Local Government Service Commission. The announcement was made on Thursday morning by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Musa Ikhilor, in a statement issued from Benin.

The suspension comes in response to allegations of serious official and financial misconduct involving the two officials. According to Ikhilor, the suspension, effective immediately, will remain in place until the conclusion of a full investigation into the claims.

“The Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has approved the suspension of Damian Lawani and Samson Osagie over serious allegations of financial and official violations,” the statement read. “To ensure a thorough examination, an Investigative Committee has been formed to probe these allegations and provide recommendations.”

This move comes less than three months after both Osagie and Lawani were appointed to their respective positions, signaling the state’s commitment to accountability and integrity in governance. The suspension aims to facilitate an unbiased and comprehensive investigation into the allegations they face.