The Deputy Governor of Edo State, Dennis Idahosa, has advised those attempting to sow seeds of discord between him and his principal, Governor Monday Okpebholo, to redirect their energies to matters that would add value to the governor’s SHINE Agenda.
The former member of the House of Representatives declared that any attempt to weaken the relationship between him and Okpebholo is dead on arrival.
In a statement by Idahosa and made available to journalists in Benin on Friday, the deputy governor described those behind the alleged plot as distractors, noting that they were pained by the practical governance being demonstrated by the administration.
Idahosa vowed to stand by the governor despite what he described as online smear campaigns against the government, the person of the governor, and other top government functionaries.
He said, ‘It has come to my attention that certain individuals, unsettled by the unity between my boss, Senator Monday Okpebholo, and myself, have resorted to sponsoring false narratives online in a desperate attempt to sow seeds of discord.
‘Let it be clearly stated that their efforts will amount to nothing. As long as my boss, my senior brother, and I remain united, such plans are bound to fail.
‘I, Dennis Osagbemwenrue Idahosa, stand solidly behind my boss like the Rock of Gibraltar. I stand where he stands, and I sit where he sits.
‘Any attempt to divide us or weaken our team is dead on arrival. They are simply wasting their time’, Idahosa reiterated.
While noting that the Okpebholo-led administration remains focused on delivering its campaign promises to the people, he urged residents of the state to remain steadfast in their support for the government.
It was reported that the relationship between the governor and deputy governor in Edo State has been under intense public scrutiny in recent months, amid heightened political activity in the run-up to the 2027 general elections.
Okpebholo and Idahosa have frequently appeared together at official events and project commissions since assuming office in November 2024, projecting unity within the executive arm of the state government.
Both figures are key to the ruling party’s SHINE Agenda, a policy framework aimed at improving security, health, infrastructure, nourishment and education in Edo State.
