Adams Oshiomhole, Senator representing Edo North and former governor of Edo State, has defended the appointment of his son, Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole, as the Commissioner for Health in the state.
The senator made his remarks during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday, addressing criticisms surrounding the appointment.
Dr. Cyril, a United States-trained medical doctor, was named health commissioner in November by Governor Monday Okpebholo, shortly after the governor assumed office. The move has sparked widespread criticism, with detractors accusing the governor of rewarding Oshiomhole for his political support.
Responding to questions about his son’s appointment, Oshiomhole acknowledged expressing initial concerns to both Cyril and the governor but ultimately defended his son’s qualifications.
“He doesn’t work under me; maybe Governor Monday is grooming him,” Oshiomhole said. “When I was in Edo, I stopped him when he wanted to go for the House of Reps. I said no and supported another guy. The second time he wanted to try, I said no. This time the governor decided to pick him. He is qualified.”
The former labour leader highlighted Cyril’s impressive educational background as evidence of his suitability for the role. “Dr. Cyril is not just a medical doctor from ABU (Ahmadu Bello University); he went to do post-graduate studies in two universities in the US, including Harvard and another university in Louisiana. He specializes in public health,” Oshiomhole added.
He emphasized that Cyril’s appointment was based on merit, not his family name. “He is not having it because he is Oshiomhole; I will say he is having it in spite of being Oshiomhole.”
Oshiomhole further noted the limits of his influence over his adult son’s decisions, saying, “You can only do so much to control your son but not when he is already of adult age.”
