Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has suspended Ahmed Momoh, the Executive Director/CEO of the Edo State Flood, Erosion, and Watershed Management Agency (FEWMA), for allegedly disregarding state orders related to a turbaning ceremony in the South-Ibie Kingdom. The suspension, which takes effect immediately, was announced in a statement on Saturday by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua.

Governor Okpebholo cited insubordination as the primary reason for the suspension. He instructed Momoh to surrender all government property to the most senior public servant at the agency. Momoh, a native of South-Ibie in Etsako West, is accused of proceeding with the ceremony despite a directive from the Ministry of Local Government, Community and Chieftaincy Affairs to cancel the event due to security concerns.

The ceremony, which was set for January 25, 2025, involved the installation of new Chiefs and Village Heads. However, the state government had already deemed the event unauthorized and ordered its postponement. Despite this, Momoh allegedly moved forward with the plans, potentially escalating tensions in the community.

The state government reiterated that any actions by Umoru Inusa Umoru, who claims to be the Aidenogie of South-Ibie, must cease until proper authorization is received from the relevant authorities.