Okpebholo Sacks SUBEB Chairman, Names Immediate Replacement

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has removed Sonia Ebanehita Omonzane as the Executive Chairman of the Edo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and appointed Ayewoh Ambrose Oyakhilome as her replacement.

The development was announced on Tuesday in a statement issued by the Secretary to the Edo State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor.

According to Ireporter Online, the latest leadership change makes Omonzane the fourth individual to leave the SUBEB chairmanship since Governor Okpebholo assumed office.

Omonzane had previously served on the Edo State Board for Technical and Vocational Education before being transferred to SUBEB, where she succeeded Onomen Goodness Briggs following Briggs’ removal in May 2025.

Briggs was subsequently moved to the Board for Technical and Vocational Education, while Omonzane took over the leadership of SUBEB.

Before Briggs, Dr Paddy Iyamu had served as chairman of SUBEB until his removal by Governor Okpebholo. Iyamu was later appointed Commissioner for Education.

With Oyakhilome’s appointment, the new SUBEB chairman is expected to oversee the agency’s programmes and policies aimed at strengthening basic education and improving learning conditions across Edo State.

Prior to his latest appointment, Oyakhilome served as Executive Chairman of the Edo State Rural Access Roads Agency (RARA), where he was involved in government initiatives focused on rural road development, connectivity and infrastructure.

The state government said his appointment was based on his experience in public administration and his involvement in various government programmes.

Oyakhilome is now expected to lead SUBEB as the state continues efforts to improve basic education, school infrastructure and learning opportunities for pupils across Edo State.