Age Falsification; Edo Sanctions Four LG Officials

By Ayodele Oni

As part of efforts to ensure accountability and transparency in government service, Edo State Government has sanctioned four senior officials of the Local Government councils over alleged age falsification and other cases of misconduct.

Three senior officials have been compulsorily retired from service, and one has been placed on three months’ pre-retirement leave, with effect from January 7th, 2026.

The decision, according to sources within the local government service commission, is In line with the ongoing reform of the Edo State Local Government Service Commission, chaired by Kabiru Adjoto.

The official retirement letter was issued on January 7th, 2026, and signed by the Commission Secretary, Mr. Odigie George.

Mr. Ogbemudia Osenwengie (Head of Local Government Administration, Owan East LGC, Afuze), Mr. Dan Erayanmen (Director of Studies/HOLGA, Local Government Staff Training School, Bekuma) and Barr. Dickson Ikhane (Etsako East Local Government Council, Agenebode) were given compulsory retirement.

Mr. Uwubanmwen Osumwen Agharese (Head of Local Government Administration) has been granted three months’ pre-retirement leave.

Committee’s findings revealed manipulation and irregularities in the record of service of *Mr. Ogbemudia Osenwengie (claimed to be less than 60 years of age as at 2025), which constitutes gross misconduct and violation of the public service rules governing his appointment.

For Mr. Dan Erayanmen, the committee observed from his record of service that he has long attained the mandatory retirement age of 60 years, in line with the relevant provision of the public service rules.

The Joint Committee of the Local Government Commission investigated issues relating to the record of service of Barr. Dickson Ikhane, particularly his date of birth (claimed to be less than 60 years of age as at 2025), which constitutes gross misconduct and violation of the public service rules governing his appointment.

Mr. Uwubanmwen Osumwen Agharese, who was granted three months’ pre-retirement leave, has been granted full monthly salary and allowances in accordance with the service rules.

According to the Statement, “All affected officers have been directed to hand over official responsibilities and government properties in their custody to the appropriate authority.”