Oshiomhole defends his son Cyril’s qualifications as Edo’s Health Commissioner, amidst claims of favouritism and political patronage.

[dropcap]F[/dropcap]ormer Edo State Governor and current Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, has defended the appointment of his son, Cyril Oshiomhole, as the Commissioner for Health in Edo State.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme on Wednesday, the senator addressed criticism over the appointment, which some have described as a reward for his support during the election of Governor Monday Okpebholo.

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Cyril’s appointment in November sparked controversy, with opponents labelling it an act of nepotism and political patronage.

Senator Oshiomhole countered the criticisms, emphasising that his son’s professional credentials justify his role.

“Dr Cyril Oshiomhole is not just a medical doctor from Ahmadu Bello University; he holds postgraduate qualifications from prestigious institutions, including Harvard University and a university in Louisiana,” the senator explained. “He specialises in public health and has the expertise needed for this position.”

Oshiomhole revealed that he initially expressed reservations about Cyril’s appointment to Governor Okpebholo, citing potential perceptions of nepotism.

“I did voice my concerns to the governor when I heard about the appointment. I told him people might misinterpret the decision, but ultimately, Cyril is an adult and capable of making his own choices,” he said.

The senator also acknowledged the challenges of managing perceptions, especially given his political stature.

“When I was governor, I stopped him from running for the House of Representatives. I wanted to avoid any claims of favouritism.

But this time, the decision was not mine. Cyril has earned his place through his education and professional accomplishments, not because of his surname.”

Oshiomhole emphasised his commitment to his children’s education, noting that his investment was aimed at ensuring they did not face the same struggles he encountered.

“In spite of being Oshiomhole, Cyril has proven himself. His achievements and qualifications speak louder than any allegations of nepotism,” he concluded.

Dr Cyril Oshiomhole was appointed as Commissioner for Health by Governor Monday Okpebholo shortly after the governor took office in November.

The decision has drawn mixed reactions, with some hailing the appointment of a US-trained expert and others criticising it as evidence of political patronage.

As the debate continues, supporters argue that Cyril’s international education and public health expertise make him a valuable asset to Edo State’s healthcare sector, while critics call for greater scrutiny of political appointments in the state.