Osagie denies allegations
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has suspended the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Samson Osagie.

The Secretary to the State Government, Musa Ikhilor, announced the suspension in a statement yesterday.

He said the governor also approved the suspension of the Chairman of the Local Government Service Commission, Damian Lawani. The two top officials were suspended over allegations of “grave official and financial infractions.”

The suspension, which takes immediate effect, is pending the conclusion of an investigation into the allegations.

Ikhilor said: “It is hereby announced for the information of the general public that Governor Monday Okpebholo has approved the suspension of the Chairman, Edo Local Government Service Commission, Damian Lawani, and Commissioner for Justice, Samson Osagie, over allegations of grave official and financial infractions.

“The suspension is with immediate effect. Consequently, the governor has ordered the setting up of an investigative committee to investigate the allegations against them and make appropriate recommendations.”

The suspension came less than three months after the two officials were appointed. Osagie denied the allegations, expressing shock over the suspension.

He said: “My attention has just been drawn to a government special announcement dated February 5, 2025, in which I was alleged to have been engaged in financial infractions with the Chairman of the Local Government Service Commission and therefore suspended.

“Let me state unequivocally that I am not and was never involved in any financial dealing with anyone nor committed any financial infraction of any kind. I was also not confronted with the said allegations by anyone before my suspension was announced.

“I shall be ready, willing, and prepared to defend myself and prove my innocence to clear my name and hard-earned reputation, which I have laboured to build over the years.”

Reports suggest conflicting reasons for the governor’s action. One allegation involves deductions from the accounts of the 18 local councils to fund legal services for an ongoing lawsuit justifying the suspension of local council chairmen months ago.

Another version claims there are complaints about unpaid salaries for categories of local council workers, including primary school teachers.