Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has sacked Mrs Sonia Ebanehita Omonzane as the Executive Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and replaced her with Hon Ayewoh Ambrose Oyakhilome, marking the fourth time the governor has changed the leadership of the board in just over two years.
The latest removal was confirmed in a statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Barrister Umar Musa Ikhilor, made available to newsmen on Tuesday, August 11, 2026. The governor did not provide any official reason for Omonzane's sack. However, government sources reportedly indicated that she had been removed two months ago and was asked not to resume office.
Ayewoh, who until his appointment was the Executive Chairman of the Edo State Rural Access Roads Agency (RARA), was described by the governor as a dedicated politician and public administrator with a strong passion for effective leadership. “He is committed to promoting policies and initiatives that will enhance the quality of education and improve learning outcomes across the State,” the statement read. The governor noted that during his tenure at RARA, Ayewoh contributed to the administration and implementation of government programmes aimed at improving rural connectivity and infrastructure. His name will be forwarded to the Edo State House of Assembly for consideration and confirmation.
Omonzane's removal is the latest in a series of leadership changes at the board since Okpebholo assumed office. In May 2025, the governor removed Barrister Onomen Goodness Briggs as SUBEB chairman and deployed her to head the Board for Technical and Vocational Education (BTVE), while Omonzane was moved from BTVE to SUBEB. Prior to that, the governor had removed Dr Paddy Iyamu as SUBEB chairman and appointed him as Commissioner for Education. This means Ayewoh is the fourth person to be named Chairman of Edo SUBEB within two years of Okpebholo's administration.
The frequent changes at the helm of the state's basic education board have raised questions about the stability of education policy in Edo State. Omonzane, who was confirmed by the Edo State House of Assembly in May 2025, had been described as a reform-driven leader transforming basic education across the state. Her removal, without any official explanation, has sparked speculation about the reasons behind the decision. The governor has not publicly commented on the matter beyond the statement issued by the SSG.
As the new chairman awaits confirmation by the Edo State House of Assembly, stakeholders in the education sector will be watching closely to see whether this latest change will bring the stability that has been lacking or continue the pattern of frequent leadership turnover that has characterised the board under Okpebholo's administration.
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