Nigerian Governor Sacks Aide on Youths, Reason Emerges
- Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, fires Aigbogun Collins amid unrest following anti-kidnapping protests
- Governor Okpebholo appointed Christopher Udobor Iyase as the new Special Adviser on Youth Mobilisation
- It was gathered that Aigbogun is currently in police custody as the probe into the recent violent Ekpoma protests unfolds
Legit.ng journalist Adekunle Dada has over 8 years of experience covering metro, government policy, and international issues
Benin City, Edo State – Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has fired his Special Adviser on Youth Mobilisation, Aigbogun Collins.
Governor Okpebholo appointed Christopher Udobor Iyase as Aigbogun’s replacement for Youth Mobilisation.
Source: Twitter
It was gathered that Aigbogun is currently in the custody of the Edo State Police Command.
Aigbogun’s removal comes days after the violent anti-kidnapping protest in Ekpoma, Esan West local government area of the state.
As reported by Daily Trust, the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday, January 16, 2026, in Benin City.
Ikhilor said Iyase is a dedicated youth mobiliser with a strong passion for the well-being of young people in the state.
According to sources, the former aide was reportedly arrested following Governor Okpebholo’s directive for a probe into the unrest.
According to ThisDay, Governor Okpebholo also sacked Ms Tinyan Otuomagie as the Managing Director/CEO of New Edo Line Transport Services Limited.
The State Commissioner for Transportation, Hon. Uwuilekhue Saturday Idehen, said Okpebholo appointed Mr. Smart Aigbodion, the General Manager, Maintenance, as the Acting Managing Director/CEO, pending the appointment of a substantive Managing Director.
Ekpoma protest
The Ekpma protest broke out as a result of local kidnappings and the killing of a young man by armed men in January 2026.
There was significant unrest following a series of protests by residents and students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), who marched through major roads in Ekpoma demanding government intervention.
The protests against rising insecurity and kidnapping escalated into a riot with attacks on a livestock market and ultimately the arrest of 52 people, including many AAU students.
The Governor Okpebholo government charged the rioters with malicious damage, looting, and arson.
Source: Twitter
Okpebholo reacts to the Ekpoma riot
Recall that Governor Okpebholo claimed that the recent Ekpoma protest was sponsored from overseas by opposition elements.
He said security agencies identified masterminds behind the coordinated protests aimed at destabilising the Edo State Government.
The governor claimed that most arrests were linked to acts of violence, not peaceful dissent.
Read more stories on Ekpoma protests/sacking of aides:
- Video: ‘Protest Organisers Were Not Students’: Ambrose Alli University SUG President
- Jarvis Cries Out to Edo Governor Over Kidnapping in Ekpoma, Protesters’ Arrest in Heartfelt Video
- Edo Protest: Natasha Reacts to Arrest of 52 AAU Students, Sends Strong Message to Governor Okpebholo
- "Post Your Evidence": Harrison Gwamnishu Challenges VeryDarkMan, Leaks Private Chats
- Nigerian Governor Sacks 4 Aides, Reason Emerges
- Panic as Nigerian Governor Sacks 30 Aides, Gives Reason
- Ekiti State Governor Dissolves Cabinet, Sacks 19 Commissioners
- Full List: Nigerian Governors Who Sacked Local Government Chairmen Between 2023 and 2024
Edo gives update on release of 38 arrested students
Legit.ng earlier reported that the Edo State Government said the 38 students arrested during last weekend's protest in Ekpoma will soon be released.
The Commissioner for Education, Paddy Iyamu, confirms academic activities will resume on Monday after the restoration of normalcy.
Governor Okpebholo emphasises ongoing efforts to maintain peace and security in the region.
Source: Legit.ng
