Edo Governors Controversial Name Change of University Sparks Legal and Governance Concerns [Video]

Governor Monday Okpebholo’s decision to rename Edo State University, Uzairue to Edo University, Iyamho by executive fiat has drawn sharp criticism, with legal experts and political commentators branding the move both unlawful and overreaching.

The December 30 press statement in which stated the change was to be implemented “…with immediate effect” bypassed the legislative process required to amend the university’s name, which is established by law.

The university, created in 2014 as a fee-paying, autonomous institution, has undergone name changes in the past—but only through proper legislative amendments. The most recent change, from Edo University, Iyamho to Edo State University, Uzairue in 2020, followed a formal amendment reflecting the primogeniture identity of Uzairue and distancing the institution from its association with former APC National Chairman Adams Oshiomhole. Governor Okpebholo’s unilateral decision disregards this legislative precedent.

“This is executive overreach at its worst,” said constitutional lawyer …