Adams Oshiomhole, the senator representing Edo North, asserted that his son, Cyril, is suitable for the position of Commissioner of Health in a South-South state. The former Edo governor made these remarks during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today program on Wednesday.
In November, Cyril was appointed as health commissioner by Oshiomhole’s ally, Governor Monday Okphebolo, shortly after the governor took office. This appointment of the U.S.-trained medical professional has faced significant backlash from critics who view it as an act of state capture and a reward for Oshiomhole’s support in the recent elections.
When questioned about his endorsement of his son’s commissioner appointment, Oshiomhole acknowledged that he did express concerns to the governor upon hearing the news. He clarified, “He doesn’t report to me; perhaps Governor Monday is mentoring him. During my time in Edo, I prevented him from pursuing a House of Representatives seat twice, opting to support other candidates instead. This time, the governor chose him, and I believe he is qualified.
“I did raise concerns with the governor, worried about public perception. My previous hesitations about his candidacy stemmed from these concerns, but once someone reaches adulthood, you can only control them to a certain extent.
“It should be noted that I have invested in my children’s education to spare them from my past struggles. Dr. Cyril is not only a medical graduate from Ahmadu Bello University; he completed postgraduate studies at two universities in the U.S., including Harvard and another institution in Louisiana focusing on public health. Thus, his qualifications aren’t tied to my name; he has earned them despite being Oshiomhole’s son.”
