Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has suspended Ahmed Momoh, the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the State Flood, Erosion, and Watershed Management Agency (FEWMA), over allegations of insubordination.
The suspension, which takes immediate effect, was announced on Saturday in a statement by Fred Itua, the governor’s Chief Press Secretary.
The decision was linked to Momoh’s alleged involvement in a turbaning ceremony and the appointment of Chiefs and Village Heads in the South-Ibie Kingdom, actions that reportedly violated state directives.
Governor Okpebholo instructed Momoh to relinquish all government property in his possession to the agency’s most senior public servant.
Momoh, a native of South-Ibie Kingdom in Etsako West Local Government Area, allegedly defied an order from the Ministry of Local Government, Community, and Chieftaincy Affairs to suspend the turbaning ceremony, which was scheduled for January 25, 2025.
The ministry had previously halted the event due to security concerns, warning that it could exacerbate tensions in the community.
The statement revealed that the ceremony, which included the installation of new Chiefs and Clan Heads, was to be conducted by Umoru Inusa Umoru, the purported Aidenogie of South-Ibie. However, the state government deemed the event unauthorized and ordered its postponement.
Despite this directive, Momoh allegedly continued with actions that threatened the peace of the area.
“The Executive Governor of Edo State, His Excellency Senator Monday Okpebholo, has approved the suspension of the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of Edo State Flood, Erosion, and Watershed Management Agency (FEWMA), Mr. Ahmed Musa Momoh, effective immediately,” the statement read.
The government further emphasized that any actions by Umoru, in his capacity as the alleged Aidenogie, must cease until clearance is obtained from the appropriate authorities.
