Edo North Senator and former governor of Edo State, Adams Oshiomhole, has defended the appointment of his son, Cyril, as the state’s Commissioner for Health, stating that he is well-qualified for the role.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday, Oshiomhole described his son as a United States-trained medical doctor whose expertise makes him an asset to Edo’s health sector.

He acknowledged raising concerns with Governor Okphebolo when the appointment was announced but maintained that the governor’s choice was based on merit.

The appointment of Cyril, shortly after Governor Okphebolo’s swearing-in in November, has drawn widespread criticism.

Opponents argue that it reflects nepotism and state capture, accusing the administration of rewarding political loyalty instead of prioritizing public interest.

The lawmaker said, “He doesn’t work under me; maybe Governor Monday is grooming him. 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.

“I did express my concerns when I heard. I called him and expressed my concerns. I expressed those concerns to the governor that people might say this and that.

“Those were the reasons why I stopped him from contesting elections when I was in office but then I have to accept that in the world that we live in, you can only do so much to control your son but not when he is already of adult age.

“But the point must be made: I invested in my children’s education. I didn’t want them to go through what I went through. So, Dr Cyril is not just a medical doctor from ABU (Ahmadu Bello University), he went to do post-graduate in two universities in the US including Harvard and another university in Louisiana. He does something about public health.

“So, he is not having it because he is Oshiomhole; I will say he is having in spite of being Oshiomhole.”