Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has suspended Ahmed Momoh, the Executive Director/CEO of the State Flood, Erosion, and Watershed Management Agency (FEWMA), following his alleged involvement in a turbaning ceremony and the appointment of Chiefs and Village Heads in the South-Ibie Kingdom. The suspension, effective immediately, was announced in a statement on Saturday by Fred Itua, the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary.
The Governor cited insubordination as the primary reason for the suspension, directing Momoh to hand over all government property in his possession to the most senior public servant at FEWMA. Momoh, a native of South-Ibie Kingdom in Etsako West Local Government Area, reportedly ignored a directive from the Ministry of Local Government, Community, and Chieftaincy Affairs to halt the scheduled turbaning ceremony set for January 25, 2025.
The Ministry had earlier suspended the event due to security concerns, warning that it could escalate tensions in the community. The ceremony, which included the installation of new Chiefs and Clan Heads, was reportedly to be conducted by Umoru Inusa Umoru, who is claimed to be the Aidenogie of South-Ibie.
However, the state government deemed the event unauthorized and ordered its postponement. Despite this, Momoh allegedly proceeded with actions that threatened the region’s peace.
The statement further clarified that any actions taken by Umoru in his role as the purported Aidenogie must cease until proper clearance is obtained from the relevant authorities.
