Okpebholo’s Expanded Edo Cabinet Aims to Boost Efficiency, Says Afegbua

Edo State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Prince Kassim Afegbua, has defended Governor Monday Okpebholo’s decision to expand the state’s executive council — now the largest in the state’s history — insisting that the move is aimed at improving efficiency and delivering on campaign promises.

Afegbua’s clarification follows public debate over the governor’s decision to inaugurate 27 commissioners, with one still pending confirmation. Speaking in Benin City, he said the expansion was not about size or cost but about ensuring that government policies reach the people effectively.

“When people talk about the size of governance and the cost of governance, the issue is not the size but whether what you are doing has an impact on the wellbeing of the people,” Afegbua explained.

He dismissed concerns about excessive spending, arguing that corruption — not cabinet size — is what often undermines governance.

“Corruption is the bane of public service. But once you cut down its incidence, you solve 70% of the problem,” he said. “Since the governor came on board, he has been executing legacy projects and has not withheld contractors’ payments.”

Afegbua, who criticized the Godwin Obaseki administration for what he called “unclear” governance practices, maintained that the new ministries are designed to add value to Edo’s economy and make government more responsive to the needs of the people.

Responding to questions on why it took nearly a year to form the full cabinet, Afegbua attributed the delay to political consultations and interest balancing.

“The cabinet was already functioning, even before being fully constituted,” he explained. “The governor has been working and holding exco meetings. Pressure from political actors and interest groups delayed the full formation, but that has now been settled.”

He added that the creation of additional ministries would enable the administration to cover more sectors of the state’s economy and enhance governance delivery.

Governor Okpebholo, who assumed office in 2024, has promised a people-focused government anchored on transparency, infrastructure renewal, and economic inclusiveness.