Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has removed Sonia Ebanehita Omonzane as the Executive Chairman of the Edo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB).
The governor subsequently appointed Ayewoh Ambrose Oyakhilome, the immediate past Executive Chairman of the Edo State Rural Access Roads Agency (RARA), to take over the leadership of the education agency.
The development was announced on Tuesday in a statement issued by the Secretary to the Edo State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor. 
Omonzane’s removal marks another change in the leadership of SUBEB since Governor Okpebholo assumed office, making her the fourth individual to be removed from the chairmanship of the board during the period.
Omonzane had previously served on the Edo State Board for Technical and Vocational Education before she was transferred to SUBEB.
Her appointment to the education board followed the removal of Onomen Goodness Briggs as SUBEB chairman in May 2025.
Following Briggs’ removal, she was transferred to the Board for Technical and Vocational Education, while Omonzane was appointed to head SUBEB.
Before that development, Dr Paddy Iyamu had served as chairman of SUBEB until Governor Okpebholo removed him from the position and subsequently appointed him as Commissioner for Education.
The latest leadership change means Oyakhilome will now oversee the state agency responsible for coordinating and supporting basic education across Edo State.
Before his new appointment, Oyakhilome served as the Executive Chairman of the Edo State Rural Access Roads Agency, where he was involved in the implementation and administration of government programmes focused on rural roads, connectivity and infrastructure development.
His experience in public administration and participation in various government initiatives were cited by the state government as part of the reasons for his appointment.
As the new SUBEB chairman, Oyakhilome is expected to oversee policies and programmes aimed at strengthening basic education, improving school infrastructure and creating better learning conditions for pupils across the state.
The agency plays a key role in the administration and development of basic education in Edo State, including supporting schools, implementing education programmes and working with relevant stakeholders to improve learning outcomes.
The state government is expected to provide further details on the new administration and its priorities for the basic education sector under Oyakhilome’s leadership.
