Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has suspended his Special Adviser on Oil and Gas, Felix Osemwengie Isere, for allegedly soliciting funds in the name of the state government without authorization. The suspension was announced in an official statement released on Monday and signed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Umar Musa Ikhilor.
According to the statement, Isere used the name of the Edo State Government to raise funds for a proposed Oil and Gas Summit scheduled to take place in Benin City on Thursday, August 7, 2025. The governor, upon learning of the situation, ordered Isere’s immediate suspension from office and directed that all monies collected for the summit be returned to the contributors.
“It is hereby announced for the information of the general public that the Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo has ordered the suspension of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Oil and Gas, Felix Osemwengie Isere from office, for unauthorized fund raising, using the name of Edo State Government for the proposed Oil and Gas Summit,” the statement read.
In addition to suspending Isere, the state government has also put a halt to the planned summit itself. The administration has made it clear that it does not support the event and considers the fundraising efforts related to it to be unofficial and unauthorized.
“In view of the foregoing, the proposed Summit is hereby suspended and Felix Osemwengie Isere has been ordered to refund monies to the various donors,” the Secretary to the State Government stated.
Governor Okpebholo’s administration emphasized that the public should exercise caution in dealing with the suspended official. The statement specifically warned prospective donors against engaging in any financial transactions or commitments related to the summit or other initiatives presented by Isere.
“Prospective donors are by this announcement advised to desist from dealing with the suspended appointee,” the announcement added.
The move comes as part of Governor Okpebholo’s efforts to uphold transparency and accountability within his administration. By taking immediate disciplinary action, the governor aims to demonstrate a zero-tolerance policy toward any actions that may bring the government into disrepute or mislead the public.
Although no specific figures were disclosed regarding the amount of money already raised, the directive to refund the funds suggests that donations had indeed been received before the administration intervened.
It remains unclear whether legal proceedings will follow or if an internal investigation will be launched to determine if others were involved in the scheme. However, the swift suspension and public warning indicate the seriousness with which the government is treating the matter.
Governor Okpebholo, who assumed office amid promises of reform and integrity in governance, has taken a firm stance on ensuring that official activities are properly vetted and in line with state protocols. The administration’s response to this incident appears aimed at reinforcing public trust and discouraging misuse of governmental authority by appointed officials.
As of now, Felix Osemwengie Isere has not issued a public response to the suspension or the allegations of unauthorized fundraising. The Edo State Government has also not announced a replacement for the Special Adviser position, nor has it confirmed whether the Oil and Gas Summit may be rescheduled under official oversight in the future.
The development has drawn attention across political and civil society circles in Edo State, where discussions around governance and accountability continue to feature prominently in the lead-up to several key events on the state’s political calendar.
