Edo Governor’s Controversial University Name Change Sparks Legal Dispute
Governor Monday Okpebholo’s unilateral decision to rename Edo State University, Uzairue, to Edo University, Iyamho has ignited a wave of criticism and legal contention. Critics argue that the move, announced via a December 30 press statement, bypasses the legislative process required to amend the university’s legally established name.
The university, founded in 2014 as a fee-paying autonomous institution, has undergone name changes in the past—but only through proper legislative amendments. The last change, in 2020, renamed the institution Edo State University, Uzairue, reflecting the cultural identity of Uzairue and distancing it from its previous association with former APC National Chairman Adams Oshiomhole. Governor Okpebholo’s executive order disregards this legislative precedent.
“This is a clear case of executive overreach,” said constitutional lawyer Barrister Anthony Ehilebo. “The Governor lacks the legal authority to rename a university without legislative approval. This action undermines governance and the rule of law.”
The incident adds to a growing list of controversies surrounding Governor Okpebholo’s administration. Earlier, he faced backlash for attempting to suspend local government chairmen in defiance of constitutional provisions and a Supreme Court judgment from July 11. This action was later overturned by a high court, prompting the Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Lateef Fagbemi, to issue a statement reaffirming the illegality of suspending or dissolving local councils without due process.
“This is part of a troubling pattern of disregard for democratic norms,” said Goodluck Osaretin, spokesperson for the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP). “From illegal suspensions of local government officials to this attempt to rename the university by fiat, the Governor is undermining public trust. Why is Okpebholo breaking the law to please his leader, Adams Oshiomhole? This raises questions about his respect for the rule of law.”
The controversy has also reignited debates about the autonomy of state institutions, with legal experts warning that such actions create instability and set dangerous precedents for executive overreach.
Observers are urging the Governor to retract his directive and follow the appropriate legislative process if the name change is deemed necessary. “Governance thrives on adherence to due process, not unilateral decisions,” noted a political analyst. “This misstep harms the rule of law and further damages the credibility of Governor Okpebholo’s administration.”
As opposition parties and civil society groups intensify scrutiny, the fallout from the Governor’s decision is expected to strain his already fragile relationship with the Edo State House of Assembly.
