The change of Edo State University, Uzairue by the Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo by fiat to Edo University, Iyamho, is generating controversy,and criticism with legal experts and political commentators describing the move as illegal.
The December 30 press statement in which stated the change was to be implemented “…with immediate effect” by passed the legislative process required to amend the university’s name, which is established by law.
The university, created in 2014, as a fee-paying, autonomous institution, has undergone name changes in the past—but only through proper legislative amendments.
The most recent change, from Edo University, Iyamho to Edo State University, Uzairue in 2020, followed a formal amendment reflecting the primogeniture identity of Uzairue and distancing the institution from its association with former APC National Chairman Adams Oshiomhole. Governor Okpebholo’s unilateral decision disregards this legislative precedent.
“This is executive overreach at its worst,” said constitutional lawyer Barr. Anthony Ehilebo. “The Governor has no legal authority to rename a university without legislative approval. This is not governance—it’s lawlessness.”
This incident is not the first time Governor Okpebholo has been accused of overstepping his constitutional bounds.
Earlier in his administration, he faced backlash for initiating the attempted suspension of local government chairmen in violation of the Constitution and a July 11th Supreme Court judgement, an action that was reversed by a high court order.
The Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Lateef Fagbemi, had issued a public statement emphasizing the fact that governors and state assemblies cannot suspend or dissolve local government councils.
“This is part of a pattern of disregard for democratic norms,” said Goodluck Osaretin, spokesperson for leading opposition party the People’s Democratic Party.
“From illegal suspensions of local government chairmen to this attempt to rename the university by fiat, the Governor is eroding public trust in governance. The Governor must realize he is not Oshiomole’s puppet. When Oshiomole wanted to change the university’s name to his village, he used the state assembly. Today why is Okpebholo breaking the law to please his leader? Is it that he does not know the law, or maybe even worse does not care about them?” Osaretin asked.
The controversy has also reignited debates about the autonomy of state institutions.
As opposition parties and civil society groups weigh this latest action by the embattled Edo State Governor, the fallout is expected to deepen the Governor’s already strained relationship with the State House of Assembly.
*Courtesy: Daily Trust*
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