Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has suspended Ahmed Momoh, the Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of the State Flood, Erosion and Watershed Management Agency, over his alleged involvement in a turbaning ceremony and the appointment of Chiefs and Village Heads in the South-Ibie Kingdom.
The suspension, which takes immediate effect, was announced in a statement released on Saturday by Fred Itua, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor.
The governor cited insubordination as the reason for the suspension and directed Momoh to hand over all government property in his possession to the most senior public servant at the agency.
Momoh, who hails from the South-Ibie Kingdom in Etsako West Local Government Area, reportedly defied a directive from the Ministry of Local Government, Community and Chieftaincy Affairs to halt the turbaning ceremony scheduled for January 25, 2025.
The ministry earlier suspended the event due to security concerns, warning that it could escalate tensions in the community.
According to the statement, the planned installation of new Chiefs and Clan Heads was to be conducted by Umoru Inusa Umoru, the alleged Aidenogie of South-Ibie. However, the state government deemed the ceremony unauthorised and ordered it to be postponed.
Despite this, Momoh allegedly proceeded with actions that threatened the peace in the area.
““The Executive Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has approved the suspension of the Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of Edo State Flood, Erosion and Watershed Management Agency (FEWMA), Mr. Ahmed Musa Momoh, effective immediately,” the statement read.
The government reiterated that any actions by Umoru in his capacity as the purported Aidenogie must cease until proper clearance is obtained from the relevant authorities.