Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has taken decisive action by suspending Ahmed Momoh, the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the State Flood, Erosion, and Watershed Management Agency (FEWMA), over allegations of insubordination and involvement in a controversial turbaning ceremony in the South-Ibie Kingdom.
The suspension, which is effective immediately, was announced in a statement issued on Saturday by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua. Governor Okpebholo accused Momoh of defying direct orders from the Ministry of Local Government, Community and Chieftaincy Affairs to halt the planned turbaning ceremony and the appointment of Chiefs and Village Heads in the South-Ibie community.
The suspended FEWMA boss, who hails from South-Ibie in Etsako West Local Government Area, allegedly ignored warnings that the event could exacerbate existing tensions in the area. According to the Ministry, the ceremony, scheduled for January 25, 2025, posed significant security risks and was deemed unauthorized by the state government.
Unheeded Warnings and Unauthorized Appointments
The contentious ceremony was reportedly spearheaded by Umoru Inusa Umoru, who claims the title of Aidenogie of South-Ibie. The event included the planned installation of new Chiefs and Clan Heads, a move that the state government viewed as illegal without prior approval.
Despite an explicit directive to postpone the ceremony, Momoh allegedly continued to act in defiance, a decision that the government claims threatened the fragile peace in the community.
In the official statement, Governor Okpebholo emphasized the importance of adhering to established protocols for appointments and traditional ceremonies, particularly in communities prone to disputes. “The Executive Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has approved the suspension of the Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of Edo State Flood, Erosion, and Watershed Management Agency (FEWMA), Mr. Ahmed Musa Momoh, effective immediately,” the statement read.
Security Concerns and Community Tensions
The Ministry of Local Government, Community and Chieftaincy Affairs had earlier suspended the ceremony, citing fears that it could inflame ongoing tensions in South-Ibie. While details about the security risks were not fully disclosed, local sources indicate that the turbaning ceremony could have escalated pre-existing disputes over leadership and territorial claims within the kingdom.
The government also reiterated that Umoru Inusa Umoru must cease all actions in his capacity as the alleged Aidenogie until proper clearance is obtained from the appropriate state authorities.
Swift Consequences for Defiance
As part of the suspension, Ahmed Momoh has been directed to hand over all government property in his possession to the most senior public servant at FEWMA. This swift action underscores the state government’s zero-tolerance policy toward actions that undermine authority and threaten community harmony.
Governor Okpebholo’s firm stance on the matter has drawn mixed reactions. While some applaud the governor for prioritizing peace and order, others argue that the suspension raises questions about the broader challenges of managing chieftaincy affairs and traditional leadership in Edo State.
A Broader Message to Public Officials
This latest development sends a clear signal to public officials in Edo State: defiance of government directives, especially on sensitive issues, will not be tolerated. Governor Okpebholo’s administration has repeatedly emphasized its commitment to maintaining law and order, particularly in matters concerning community leadership and traditional governance.
As the dust settles on this controversy, the focus now shifts to resolving the underlying tensions in the South-Ibie Kingdom and ensuring that future appointments and ceremonies follow due process.
