Features
Fresh Appointment Made in Edo’s Oil and Gas Office Following Weeks of Tension
Written By: Frank Aghasevboesi
01 Aug 2025 09:58 AM
Weeks after the controversial suspension of Edo State’s former Special Adviser on Oil and Gas, the government has quietly made a fresh appointment to fill the now-vacant role, signaling a new direction and perhaps, a deliberate effort to steady the ship after what many viewed as a damaging misstep.
In a statement released on July 31, 2025, and signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor, the appointment was confirmed by Governor Monday Okpebholo.
The statement, though brief, confirmed the filling of the strategic advisory position that had been left vacant since Felix Isere was suspended over unauthorized fundraising activities tied to a proposed oil and gas summit. The news, contained in a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor, has drawn attention from across the political landscape.
According to the announcement, the former adviser, Isere, had been planning an oil and gas summit scheduled for August 7, 2025, and had allegedly begun raising funds using the name of the Edo State Government, all without formal approval. Governor Okpebholo responded by calling off the event entirely and ordering a full refund of all monies collected in the process. He also directed the public to cut any ongoing dealings related to the event.
With the office now vacant, the Governor turned to Barr. Kasimu Otono, a legal practitioner who also has interests in real estate and community engagement. Described as a Senior Partner at Kay & Kay Legal, Otono is said to specialize in commercial, real estate, and oil and gas law. He also belongs to both the Nigerian and International Bar Associations.
This fresh appointment is of utmost concern, according to members of the public and much is not necessarily because of the resume, but because of the timing. The oil and gas sector is not just another desk job in Edo State. It sits at the intersection of policy, investment, and grassroots tension.
Whoever holds that seat walks a fine line between administrative efficiency and public accountability. For many, this change raises a few questions. Will the new adviser be able to steady the ship after this public misstep? Is this a one-off disciplinary move, or the beginning of a broader clean-up within the Governor’s team?
One thing is certain, the expectations are high. Barrister Otono is stepping into a role that now comes with more scrutiny than usual. And with the oil and gas summit scrapped, eyes will be on whether the state plans a reboot under better coordination.
As this transition settles, Edolites are watching closely to see how the new adviser manages the office, handles stakeholders, and approaches his duties going forward. What comes next could either reinforce the administration’s credibility, or put more pressure on it.
In a statement released on July 31, 2025, and signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor, the appointment was confirmed by Governor Monday Okpebholo.
The statement, though brief, confirmed the filling of the strategic advisory position that had been left vacant since Felix Isere was suspended over unauthorized fundraising activities tied to a proposed oil and gas summit. The news, contained in a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor, has drawn attention from across the political landscape.
According to the announcement, the former adviser, Isere, had been planning an oil and gas summit scheduled for August 7, 2025, and had allegedly begun raising funds using the name of the Edo State Government, all without formal approval. Governor Okpebholo responded by calling off the event entirely and ordering a full refund of all monies collected in the process. He also directed the public to cut any ongoing dealings related to the event.
With the office now vacant, the Governor turned to Barr. Kasimu Otono, a legal practitioner who also has interests in real estate and community engagement. Described as a Senior Partner at Kay & Kay Legal, Otono is said to specialize in commercial, real estate, and oil and gas law. He also belongs to both the Nigerian and International Bar Associations.
This fresh appointment is of utmost concern, according to members of the public and much is not necessarily because of the resume, but because of the timing. The oil and gas sector is not just another desk job in Edo State. It sits at the intersection of policy, investment, and grassroots tension.
Whoever holds that seat walks a fine line between administrative efficiency and public accountability. For many, this change raises a few questions. Will the new adviser be able to steady the ship after this public misstep? Is this a one-off disciplinary move, or the beginning of a broader clean-up within the Governor’s team?
One thing is certain, the expectations are high. Barrister Otono is stepping into a role that now comes with more scrutiny than usual. And with the oil and gas summit scrapped, eyes will be on whether the state plans a reboot under better coordination.
As this transition settles, Edolites are watching closely to see how the new adviser manages the office, handles stakeholders, and approaches his duties going forward. What comes next could either reinforce the administration’s credibility, or put more pressure on it.
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