Table of Contents
- Confirmation of Chris Ewere Okaeban
- Previous Rejection by the House
- Governor's Request for Confirmation
- Screening Process Details
- Background of Chris Okaeban
The Edo State House of Assembly has confirmed Chris Ewere Okaeban as a Commissioner to be appointed to the State Executive Council after more than 83 days since his initial rejection by the House.
DAILY POST recalls that the House had on September 30, 2025, declined to screen and confirm the nominee for the commissioner position due to an alleged petition pending before the Department of State Services (DSS).
The State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, nominated him along with six others for the commissioner-designate roles.
While the others were screened and confirmed, he was rejected by the House due to unspecified issues with the DSS.
On Tuesday, December 23, 2025, during the plenary session, the Governor submitted a letter to the House requesting that they finalize his screening and confirmation.
The letter, dated December 22, 2025, was titled “Request for the Confirmation of Commissioner-Designate.”
In a letter signed by Umar Musa Ikhilor, Secretary to the State Government, and addressed to Blessing Agbebaku, Speaker of the House, the Governor urged the lawmakers to complete the screening process and confirm Chris Okaeben.
In response to the Governor’s request, the House subsequently screened and confirmed him as the 27th commissioner in the state cabinet.
The letter included the following excerpt: “In light of the incomplete screening of Hon. Christopher Ewere Okaeben as Commissioner-Designate for Edo State by the House of Assembly, I am writing to formally convey the request of His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, that the Honourable House considers the nominee with the aim of concluding the screening process and effecting his confirmation.
DAILY POST recalls that the House had, on September 30, 2025, declined to screen and confirm the nominee for the commissioner position due to an alleged petition pending before the Department of State Services (DSS).
The Speaker of the House, Blessing Agbebaku, remarked during the plenary session while confirming the six other nominees that the screening committee's report indicated that Chris Okaeben, a former member of the House, was not cleared due to unresolved issues with the DSS.
According to him, six out of the seven commissioner-nominees have been cleared and confirmed, with the exception of one, our former colleague Chris Okaeben, who needs to address questions with the DSS. He must report to the DSS office for clearance.
“That is the information before me. The report is from the screening committee, and I am not a member of that committee. The committee submitted a report.
“Following his appearance before the DSS, they can proceed to clear him. That should not be an issue,” he stated.
Okaeben, a former member of the House, represented the Oredo West Constituency from 2015 to 2023.
He also held the position of Commissioner for Youth and Sports from 2014 to 2015 during Adams Oshiomhole's administration.
He was one of the 14 elected members in the State House of Assembly who were not inaugurated by former Governor Godwin Obaseki on July 17, 2019.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Chris Okaeben initially rejected by the Edo State House of Assembly?
Chris Okaeben was initially rejected due to an alleged petition pending before the Department of State Services (DSS), which raised concerns that needed to be addressed before his confirmation.
What actions did the Governor take regarding Okaeben's confirmation?
The Governor submitted a formal request to the House, urging them to complete the screening process for Chris Okaeben and to confirm his appointment as a commissioner.
What positions has Chris Okaeben held in the past?
Chris Okaeben previously served as a member of the Edo State House of Assembly representing Oredo West Constituency from 2015 to 2023, and he was also the Commissioner for Youth and Sports from 2014 to 2015.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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