Okpebholo disowns aide over call for redeployment of Edo CP

By Jethro Ibileke 

 

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has disowned one of his Senior Special Assistant (SSA), Emmanuel Egogo, over his call for the redeployment of the State Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika.

The self-acclaimed hypeman to Okpebholo had, in a viral video, addressed the CP in a manner that has since generated public concern over political interference in security operations.

‎The SSA was heard making remarks linking the shared first name “Monday” between the Governor and the Commissioner, suggesting it was the basis for their working relationship.

‎He also informed the police boss that he remained “loyal,” while making controversial references to suspected members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), including opposition figure Peter Obi, whom he claimed would be arrested and transferred to the Force Headquarters in Abuja.

‎The video has since attracted criticism from civil society actors and political observers, who describe the comments as provocative and potentially undermining the neutrality of the police.

Besides, the State Police Command, in a disclaimer on Friday, April 24, 2026, signed by the Spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem, noted that comments made by Egogo did not in any way reflect the views, position, or disposition of CP Agbonika.

“At no point did the Commissioner of Police endorse, adopt, or align himself with the remarks made. However, those remarks are being diligently interrogated for any security implications other than that of comedy and showmanship,” Ikoedem had said.

Reacting to the backlash generated by the video on Monday, the State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Prince Kassim Afegbua, noted that Egogo’s statement did not reflect the opinion of Okpebholo’s government.

He added that the Okpebholo-led government welcomes opposition and constructive criticism, noting that it helps ruling parties to think better.

“We want to disown that statement as not the position of the government, but the voice of an individual. It is the responsibility of the law enforcement agencies to keep people in check within the ranks and file of society.

“We found the kind of incendiary statements credited to the guy popularly called Egogo. It is not our article of trade. It is not our thematic focus as a government.

“We welcome opposition, robust engagement, constructive engagement, and collective bargaining. Opposition helps ruling parties to think better. If you follow the pattern of administration of Senator Monday Okpebholo, you will realize that he is such an individual whose humanity is very powerful, very impressive,” Afegbua said.