Governor Okpebholo Charges New Edo Assembly Leadership on Unity, Transparency, Teamwork

By Rosemary Okoduwa

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has called on the newly inaugurated leadership of the Edo State House of Assembly to uphold the principles of humility, unity, transparency, and teamwork, urging lawmakers to set aside personal differences and remain committed to effective service delivery to the people.

The governor made the charge while receiving the newly elected Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Prince Yekini Oisayemoje Idaiye, who represents Akoko-Edo Constituency I, according to a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor.

Okpebholo described political office as a temporary responsibility and encouraged the new leadership to demonstrate humility, accountability, and inclusiveness in the discharge of their duties. He further advised lawmakers to resolve internal disagreements through constructive dialogue within the Assembly, rather than resorting to public commentary on social media.

The governor specifically urged Speaker Idaiye to ensure inclusive leadership by carrying all members along, noting that effective governance is anchored on transparency, consultation, and teamwork. He added that the emergence of a new leadership presents an opportunity to strengthen cohesion within the Assembly and sustain the prevailing peace, noting that the House has operated without any major crisis for nearly two years.

“Teamwork is the bedrock of effective leadership. To make meaningful progress, you must have confidence in one another. Whenever issues arise, they should be addressed either privately with the Speaker or openly within the House. Dialogue remains the most effective tool,” he said.

With elections approaching, the governor encouraged lawmakers to deepen their engagement with their constituencies and work towards electoral success. He also assured members who may not return to the Assembly of his continued support and cooperation beyond their tenure.

In his response, Speaker Idaiye said the new leadership visited the governor to formally introduce itself and reaffirm the Assembly’s commitment to legislative stability and support for the administration’s development agenda. He pledged the legislature’s full cooperation in advancing initiatives aimed at the progress of Edo State.

The meeting was attended by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Yakubu Musa, Edo State APC Chairman, Jarrett Tenebe and members of the party’s State Working Committee.