Commissioner’s Aide Dismisses Allegations of Rift in Edo Ministry of Works

Ekpoma, Edo State — January 20, 2026

The Special Aide to the Edo State Commissioner for Works, Dr. A. B. Ayeni, has strongly refuted allegations circulating on social media that suggest internal discord within the Ministry of Works and an impending resignation threat by the Commissioner, Hon. (Dr.) Felix Godsent Akhabue.

The claims, published on January 19, 2026, on the CT Naija Facebook platform and credited to its administrator, Albert Obaze, alleged that the Commissioner had been sidelined in the affairs of the ministry and had issued a 14-day ultimatum over perceived marginalization.

In a statement issued in Ekpoma, Dr. Ayeni described the publication as false, misleading, and lacking any factual basis. He emphasized that the allegations do not reflect the realities within the Ministry of Works or the professional relationship between the Commissioner and the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo.

According to Dr. Ayeni, the Commissioner was appointed following careful consideration of his professional competence, integrity, and track record, and has since enjoyed the full confidence and support of the Governor. He added that both men have maintained a cordial and transparent working relationship, with the Governor allowing the Commissioner the autonomy required to effectively discharge his responsibilities.

Dr. Ayeni further dismissed claims that external individuals or interests exert undue influence over the operations of the Ministry of Works, noting that all decisions within the ministry are guided by established procedures, professional assessments, and statutory requirements.

Clarifying the status of projects under the ministry, he stated that since Hon. Akhabue assumed office on October 15, 2025, no new contracts have been awarded. Instead, the ministry has focused on supervising ongoing projects inherited from previous administrations to ensure strict compliance with approved specifications.

He also addressed insinuations of secret or irregular contract awards, describing them as unfounded. According to him, the Ministry of Works is currently undergoing procurement processes in line with provisions of the 2026 Edo State budget, which places significant emphasis on road infrastructure development.

Dr. Ayeni urged members of the public to disregard what he described as deliberate misinformation aimed at creating unnecessary tension and division. He reaffirmed that the Commissioner remains fully engaged in advancing the Governor’s infrastructure agenda and delivering tangible benefits to the people of Edo State.

Signed:

Dr. A. B. Ayeni
Aide to the Commissioner for Works
Ekpoma, Edo State