Governor Monday Okpebholo’s unilateral decision to rename Edo State University, Uzairue, to Edo University, Iyamho has ignited heated controversy, with legal experts, political commentators, and opposition figures condemning the move as unconstitutional. Stakeholders argue that bypassing legislative processes undermines democratic governance and sets a dangerous precedent for executive overreach.
Announced via a terse December 30 press statement, the renaming was ordered “with immediate effect.” Critics wasted no time in calling out what they described as a blatant disregard for proper procedure.
The institution, originally established in 2014 as a fee-paying autonomous university, has undergone name changes before. However, these prior alterations—including the switch from Edo University, Iyamho, to Edo State University, Uzairue, in 2020—were conducted through legislative amendments, highlighting the stark difference in approach under Governor Okpebholo.
“The Governor has no legal authority to rename a university without legislative approval,” noted constitutional lawyer Barrister Anthony Ehilebo. “This action is both unlawful and symptomatic of poor governance.”
This is not the first time Governor Okpebholo has faced accusations of exceeding his constitutional mandate. Earlier in his administration, he attracted criticism for attempting to suspend local government chairmen—a move later declared unconstitutional by a high court following a July 11 Supreme Court judgment reinforcing local government autonomy.
Chief Lateef Fagbemi, the Attorney General of the Federation, publicly weighed in at the time, stating: “Governors and state assemblies lack the authority to suspend or dissolve local government councils arbitrarily.”
Opposition party spokesperson Goodluck Osaretin of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) connected the Governor’s recent decision to past controversies. “From the illegal suspensions of local government leaders to this unprovoked renaming by fiat, Okpebholo is eroding public trust and governance integrity,” Osaretin remarked.
Drawing comparisons with former Governor Adams Oshiomhole, Osaretin said, “When Oshiomhole sought to rename the university after his village, he followed legislative protocols. So, why is Governor Okpebholo breaking the law? Is he uninformed or deliberately defying it? Worse, is this act merely pandering to powerful allies?”
Political analysts have cautioned that the Governor’s action could disrupt governance and damage the credibility of his administration. “This decision disregards the processes that safeguard democracy,” observed one commentator. “Governance thrives on structure, not unilateral decrees. To proceed without legislative endorsement erodes both the rule of law and public confidence.”
The name change has also reignited discussions about the autonomy of state institutions. Legal observers warn that unilateral decisions of this nature destabilize governance structures and create uncertainty.
“This is governance by impulse,” Barrister Ehilebo reiterated. “It risks not just the legal integrity of state institutions but also the Governor’s political legacy.”
Stakeholders across the state are now urging Governor Okpebholo to reconsider his directive. Civic organizations, political groups, and members of the university community have highlighted the importance of legislative backing for decisions of this magnitude.
In the wake of mounting criticism, Governor Okpebholo is under pressure to clarify his stance and provide assurances that future decisions will respect institutional processes. Analysts suggest that transparent dialogue with the public and engagement with the state legislature could mitigate some of the fallout from this controversy.
Amid growing tensions, the ultimate resolution of this issue may well define the remainder of Okpebholo’s tenure, shaping not just his reputation but also the governance culture of Edo State.
