Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has terminated the appointment of the newly appointed Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Edo Line Transport Service, barely one week after the announcement was made public.
The governor's decision was contained in a terse statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, on Thursday, January 16, 2026.
The sacked CEO, Mr. Osaretin Omoregie, had been appointed on January 10, 2026, as part of Governor Okpebholo's moves to revitalize the state's public transportation system following his inauguration in November 2025.
In the official statement, the governor cited the need for "greater efficiency, accountability, and alignment with the administration's vision for a modern, people-centered transport sector" as the reason for the abrupt removal.
The statement read in part: "His Excellency, Governor Monday Okpebholo, has approved the immediate termination of the appointment of Mr. Osaretin Omoregie as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Edo Line Transport Service with effect from Thursday, January 16, 2026. The governor thanks Mr. Omoregie for his services and wishes him well in his future endeavours."
No further details were provided regarding the specific reasons for the sacking or any allegations of misconduct. However, sources close to the Edo State Government House indicated that the decision followed internal reviews and consultations aimed at ensuring that key appointments fully reflect the administration's reform agenda.
The development has sparked reactions across political and business circles in Benin City, with some observers describing it as a bold signal from the new governor that he will not hesitate to make swift changes when expectations are not met.
Edo Line, the state's flagship public transport company, has faced years of challenges including aging fleet, poor service delivery, and financial difficulties. Governor Okpebholo had promised during his campaign to reposition the agency as a reliable, profitable, and modern transport provider for Edo residents.
A new Managing Director and CEO is expected to be named in the coming days as the administration moves quickly to stabilize leadership at the transport corporation.
This latest development is the second high-profile change in a state parastatal under Governor Okpebholo's young administration, underscoring his determination to enforce discipline and performance from day one. All eyes are now on who will be tasked with turning around Edo Line and delivering on the governor's transport promises.
The governor's decision was contained in a terse statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, on Thursday, January 16, 2026.
The sacked CEO, Mr. Osaretin Omoregie, had been appointed on January 10, 2026, as part of Governor Okpebholo's moves to revitalize the state's public transportation system following his inauguration in November 2025.
In the official statement, the governor cited the need for "greater efficiency, accountability, and alignment with the administration's vision for a modern, people-centered transport sector" as the reason for the abrupt removal.
The statement read in part: "His Excellency, Governor Monday Okpebholo, has approved the immediate termination of the appointment of Mr. Osaretin Omoregie as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Edo Line Transport Service with effect from Thursday, January 16, 2026. The governor thanks Mr. Omoregie for his services and wishes him well in his future endeavours."
No further details were provided regarding the specific reasons for the sacking or any allegations of misconduct. However, sources close to the Edo State Government House indicated that the decision followed internal reviews and consultations aimed at ensuring that key appointments fully reflect the administration's reform agenda.
The development has sparked reactions across political and business circles in Benin City, with some observers describing it as a bold signal from the new governor that he will not hesitate to make swift changes when expectations are not met.
Edo Line, the state's flagship public transport company, has faced years of challenges including aging fleet, poor service delivery, and financial difficulties. Governor Okpebholo had promised during his campaign to reposition the agency as a reliable, profitable, and modern transport provider for Edo residents.
A new Managing Director and CEO is expected to be named in the coming days as the administration moves quickly to stabilize leadership at the transport corporation.
This latest development is the second high-profile change in a state parastatal under Governor Okpebholo's young administration, underscoring his determination to enforce discipline and performance from day one. All eyes are now on who will be tasked with turning around Edo Line and delivering on the governor's transport promises.
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