Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has terminated the appointment of Aigbodion Ewanifo Smart as Acting Managing Director of New Edo Line Limited over what the state government described as managerial inefficiency. The governor has appointed Engr. Paul F. Ogedegbe as the new Managing Director, effective immediately, in the latest leadership shake-up at the state-owned transport company.
Key Highlights
- Governor Monday Okpebholo sacks Aigbodion Ewanifo Smart as Acting MD of New Edo Line.
- The Edo State Government cites managerial inefficiency as the reason for the decision.
- Engr. Paul F. Ogedegbe has been appointed the new Managing Director.
- The latest change marks the third MD/CEO appointment in about 16 months.
- Two previous leaders have had their appointments terminated during the period.
- The frequent leadership changes have raised questions about stability and continuity at the state-owned transport company.
Edo Government Announces New Edo Line Leadership Change
The decision was announced on October 18, 2026, in a special statement signed by the Secretary to the Edo State Government, Barrister Umar Musa Ikhilor.
According to the announcement, Governor Okpebholo approved the termination of Smart’s appointment with immediate effect and appointed Engr. Paul F. Ogedegbe as the substantive Managing Director of New Edo Line Limited.
The government did not provide further details explaining the specific circumstances behind its assessment of managerial inefficiency.
New Edo Line was established as a revived state-owned transport company intended to improve public transportation, passenger safety and service delivery for residents, including students, traders, workers and other travellers.
The company’s launch attracted public attention and included the participation of prominent government officials, among them FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.
New Edo Line Leadership Changes Under Okpebholo
The latest appointment represents another change in the leadership of the transport company within a relatively short period.
On June 10, 2025, Governor Okpebholo appointed Ms Tinyan Otuomagie as the pioneer Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of New Edo Line Transport Services Limited.
However, on January 15, 2026, her appointment was terminated after approximately seven months. She was reportedly redeployed to the Ministry of Information, while Smart Aigbodion, then General Manager of Maintenance, was appointed Acting Managing Director/CEO pending the selection of a substantive head.
On October 18, 2026, the governor terminated Smart’s acting appointment and named Engr. Ogedegbe as his replacement.
The sequence means that three individuals have been appointed to lead the company within approximately 16 months, with two subsequently leaving their positions.
The repeated changes have drawn attention to questions about management stability, institutional continuity and the operational direction of the relatively new transport company.
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Public Reactions to Okpebholo’s Decision
Reports about the latest leadership change have circulated on X, formerly Twitter, with several accounts sharing the government’s announcement.
Much of the immediate online response has focused on the termination of Smart’s appointment and the appointment of Ogedegbe, while commentary surrounding the company’s earlier leadership changes was more critical.
During the previous leadership dispute, one social media user alleged that individuals within the organisation had worked against former Managing Director Tinyan Otuomagie to secure her removal. The user also criticised the governor’s decision.
The allegation was a social media claim and has not been independently established by the information available for this report.
Overall, the latest announcement appears to have generated more news-sharing than extensive public debate. The information provided for this report does not establish any formal position from political parties, labour groups or civil society organisations on the latest decision.
What the New Managing Director Faces
Engr. Paul F. Ogedegbe takes over at a time when repeated leadership changes have placed the management of New Edo Line under public scrutiny.
His appointment is expected to bring a new direction to the company as it pursues its stated objective of providing reliable and safer public transportation across Edo State.
However, the government has yet to announce specific details about Ogedegbe’s management priorities, plans to expand services or any proposed operational review.
Attention will likely focus on whether the new leadership can ensure continuity, improve service delivery and establish a more stable management structure for the state-owned transport company.
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