Adams Oshiomhole, the former governor of Edo State and current senator representing Edo North, has expressed confidence in his son Cyril’s qualifications to serve as the state’s commissioner for health.
Speaking during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday, Oshiomhole shared his thoughts on his son’s new role, emphasising that Cyril’s appointment was not due to his political legacy.
“He doesn’t work under me; maybe Governor Monday Okpebholo is grooming him,” he said, adding that he had previously discouraged Cyril from running for office twice during his own tenure as governor.
“The first time he wanted to run for the House of Representatives, I said no and supported another candidate. The second time, I said no again. But this time, the governor decided to pick him, and I believe he is qualified.”
Oshiomhole admitted he had some reservations when he first heard about his son’s appointment, expressing his concerns both to Cyril and to Governor Okpebholo.
“I expressed my concerns that people might say certain things,” he explained.
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“Those were the reasons I stopped him from contesting elections in the past, but now I have to accept that he is an adult and capable of making his own decisions.”
Oshiomhole also highlighted his investment in his children’s education, saying he didn’t want them to face the same hardships he had.
“Dr. Cyril is not just a medical doctor from Ahmadu Bello University; he also completed postgraduate studies at two U.S. universities, including Harvard and one in Louisiana. He has expertise in public health,” Oshiomhole added.
“So, he is not getting this position because he is my son; he is getting it in spite of being my son.”
Cyril, a trained medical doctor, was nominated for the role of commissioner for health by Governor Okpebholo, a close ally of Oshiomhole, and was officially sworn in on November 19 at the Government House in Benin City.
