Breaking: Okpebholo Removes Edo SUBEB Chairman From Office

Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has removed Sonia Ebanehita Omonzane as Executive Chairman of the Edo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB).

The governor has subsequently appointed Ayewoh Ambrose Oyakhilome as her replacement.

The change was announced on Tuesday in a statement issued by the Secretary to the Edo State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor.

Omonzane’s removal makes her the fourth person to leave the leadership of SUBEB since Governor Okpebholo assumed office.

Before her appointment as SUBEB chairman, Omonzane served on the Edo State Board for Technical and Vocational Education.

She was transferred to SUBEB following the removal of Onomen Goodness Briggs from the chairmanship of the board in May 2025.

Briggs was subsequently moved to the Board for Technical and Vocational Education, while Omonzane was appointed to head SUBEB.

Prior to Briggs’ tenure, Dr Paddy Iyamu served as SUBEB chairman before Okpebholo removed him and appointed him as Commissioner for Education.

Oyakhilome Takes Over

With the latest appointment, Oyakhilome is expected to take charge of the state agency responsible for overseeing basic education and supporting the development of schools across Edo State.

Before his appointment, Oyakhilome served as Executive Chairman of the Edo State Rural Access Roads Agency (RARA).

In that capacity, he was involved in the implementation of government programmes focused on rural road development, connectivity and infrastructure.

The state government said Oyakhilome was selected for the SUBEB position based on his experience in public administration and his involvement in government programmes.

His new responsibility will include overseeing policies and initiatives designed to improve basic education, school infrastructure and learning conditions across Edo State.