The lawmaker representing Edo North Senatorial District, Adams Oshiomhole, has defended the appointment of his son, Cyril Oshiomhole, as the Commissioner for Health in Edo State, stating that Cyril is highly qualified for the position. Oshiomhole made this assertion during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme on Wednesday.
In November, Governor Monday Okphebolo of Edo State appointed Cyril as the Commissioner for Health shortly after being sworn in as the state governor. The appointment has sparked widespread criticism, with some accusing the governor of engaging in state capture and rewarding Oshiomhole for his support during the election.
Responding to the controversy, Oshiomhole revealed that while he did express concerns about the political implications of the appointment, he acknowledged that his son was well-qualified for the role. “He doesn’t work under me; maybe Governor Monday is grooming him. When I was in Edo, I stopped him when he wanted to go for the House of Representatives. I said no and supported another candidate. The second time he wanted to try, I also said no. But this time, the governor decided to pick him, and I must say he is qualified,” Oshiomhole explained.
Oshiomhole disclosed that he had a candid discussion with his son and Governor Okphebolo about the appointment, emphasizing his concerns over potential public backlash. “When I heard about it, I called my son and expressed my concerns. I also spoke to the governor about the possible perceptions people might have. These were the same reasons I had earlier stopped him from contesting elections while I was in office,” he added. However, the lawmaker conceded that as Cyril is now an adult, there is only so much he can control.
Highlighting his son’s educational background, Oshiomhole dismissed allegations that the appointment was based on nepotism. He noted that Cyril had earned his position on merit. “I invested in my children’s education because I didn’t want them to go through the struggles I faced. Dr. Cyril is not just a medical doctor from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU); he pursued postgraduate studies in two prestigious universities in the United States, including Harvard and another in Louisiana, specializing in public health,” he stated.
Oshiomhole stressed that Cyril’s appointment was not due to his family name but his competence. “He is not having it because he is Oshiomhole; I would even say he is having it in spite of being Oshiomhole,” the senator concluded.
The defense of Cyril’s appointment continues to generate debate, with many questioning whether his credentials and experience can truly outweigh the optics of political favoritism.
