Breaking News: Oshiomhole Opposed Son’s Nomination as Health Commissioner–Edo Deputy Governor
Edo State Deputy Governor, Dennis Idahosa, has disclosed that Senator Adams Oshiomhole, a former governor of the state, was against the nomination of his son, Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole, as Commissioner for Health-designate. This revelation was made during an interview on Channels Television on Wednesday.
Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole’s appointment was announced last Tuesday by Governor Monday Okpebholo in a statement from his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua. The governor described Cyril as a seasoned medical professional who is fully qualified to serve in the state cabinet.
Addressing public skepticism and allegations of nepotism, Deputy Governor Idahosa emphasized that the appointment was made purely on merit. "Cyril is a seasoned medical doctor. He studied in Nigeria and furthered his education in the United States. He is fully qualified to be in the cabinet. The fact that he is Oshiomhole’s son does not disqualify him from holding a position he is competent to manage," Idahosa stated.
He further clarified that Senator Oshiomhole, despite being a prominent political figure, actively opposed his son’s nomination. “This position has nothing to do with Adams Oshiomhole. In fact, Adams opposed it. The governor made the decision to appoint Cyril based on competence, not because of his father,” Idahosa said.
Drawing a distinction between competence and political influence, the deputy governor dismissed comparisons to former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s remarks on state capture. “What is happening in Edo State is far from state capture. It is about ensuring competence and delivering results for the people,” he affirmed.
Highlighting his own role in the administration, Idahosa noted that while he is involved in cabinet discussions, his primary duty lies in chairing the state’s boundary commission.
This development has sparked public debate on the balance between meritocracy and perceptions of favoritism in political appointments.