Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has approved the immediate reinstatement of staff members at Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, who were dismissed in March 2023 by the defunct Special Intervention Team (S.I.T.) under the previous administration of Governor Godwin Obaseki.
The announcement was made on December 2, 2024, in a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Umar Musa Ikhilor. The reinstated staff, many of whom are members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), were terminated after protests over unpaid salaries and other entitlements owed by the Obaseki-led administration.
Governor Okpebholo’s administration described the earlier dismissal as unjust and pledged to address all instances of unfair treatment under his watch. The statement read: “It is to be announced for the information of the general public that the Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has approved the immediate reinstatement of staff of the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, who were unlawfully disengaged from the service of the institution by the defunct Special Intervention Team in March 2023 under the administration of former Governor Godwin Obaseki.”
The reinstatement was framed as a demonstration of Governor Okpebholo’s commitment to fairness and adherence to the rule of law. “The Government of Senator Monday Okpebholo believes in the principle of natural justice, equity, and good conscience and will therefore not fail to correct any seeming injustice meted out on citizens of Edo State,” the statement added.
The affected staff had been disengaged after voicing concerns over unpaid salaries and benefits. Governor Okpebholo’s decision has been lauded as a step towards reconciliation and rebuilding trust within the state’s public institutions.
“This reinstatement demonstrates His Excellency’s avowed commitment to the rule of law in governance at all times,” the SSG stated.
By addressing the grievances of Ambrose Alli University staff, Governor Okpebholo signals his administration’s resolve to prioritize justice and fairness in correcting past missteps, ensuring equity for all citizens of Edo State.
