Crisis in Edo Govt Media Space: “Loyalty Rewarded with Suspicion, Mediocrity, Opportunism find Protection” — Sulaiman Aledeh, Ex EBS MD

By Arit Mbeh

Sulaiman Aledeh, the ace broadcaster that resigned from Edo State Broadcasting Service (EBS) in a dramatic form, has opened the bottled-up discontent within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State with his complaints that those that contributed to Governor Monday Okpebholo’s victory have been discarded.

He also called on Nigerians to pray for Edo Broadcasting Service.

In one of Aledeh’s messages since leaving office, he said: “Too often, those who build are discarded when the building is complete. Too often, loyalty is rewarded with suspicion, while mediocrity and opportunism find protection. Too often, people are encouraged to take what they can because they fear that honest labour will ultimately go unrewarded.”

He has promised not to litigate Edo State concerning developments surrounding his sudden exit from office, insisting that “service comes with a price, but character, dignity, and purpose are always worth preserving.”

He poured his heart out in an emotional message he shared moments after via his social media handles, urging for their understanding of his present circumstances.

“To Almighty Allah, all glory, honour, and gratitude belong to You. Your grace sustained me through every challenge, every victory, and every moment in between.

“To HE, the Governor of Edo State, the Government of Edo State, the management and staff of EBS, the good people of Edo State, Nigerians at home and abroad, and the countless friends and well-wishers who have reached out, I am deeply humbled by the overwhelming outpouring of love, goodwill, prayers, and encouragement following my exit as Managing Director of EBS.

“The messages, comments, ratings, and expressions of support I have received have been soothing to the soul and a true elixir for the journey ahead.

“They reaffirm my belief that sincere service is never wasted and that genuine impact often outlives any position held. Pray for the station and make it outlive us

“I owe a special debt of gratitude to my family, who bore the sacrifices of public service alongside me. To my daughter, who at one point was hurt by the cruelty of internet trolls simply because her father chose to serve his state, thank you for your strength, patience, and understanding.

“Your resilience reminds me daily that service comes with a price, but character, dignity, and purpose are always worth preserving.”

He promised not to litigate Edo State, irrespective of what may have happened.

“May I also respectfully state that it has never been my character to litigate public service matters in the media or engage in public commentary through the press, bloggers, or social media speculation. I have always believed that some matters are best left to time, reflection, and personal conviction. I would therefore appreciate it if members of the press, bloggers, commentators, and friends would kindly respect my decision not to grant interviews or make further public statements on this subject.

“By God’s grace, the journey continues, and the best is yet to come.”

Sulaiman Aledeh had dropped his resignation letter addressed to Governor Monday Okpebholo on May 30, 2026 but in a twist of reality, the Secretary to Edo State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor Musa announced the redeployment of the award winning broadcaster to a nonexistent Edo State Orientation Agency.

In his place, Festus Alenkhe, the Chairman of Edo State chapter of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) who is also a staff of EBS as the acting managing director.

In his resignation letter dated May 30 and addressed to Senator Monday Okpebholo, Executive Governor of Edo State, the veteran journalist stated that the decision has been taken to enable him to devote his full attention to the next phase of his professional journey as a media practitioner and to pursue other endeavours as a private citizen.

“I write to formally tender my resignation as Managing Director of the Edo Broadcasting Service (EBS), effective 30 May 2026.

“This decision has been taken to enable me to devote my full attention to the next phase of my professional journey as a media practitioner and to pursue other endeavours as a private citizen.

“I wish to express my profound gratitude to Your Excellency for the confidence reposed in me and for the privilege of serving the people of Edo State in this capacity. It has been a singular honour to lead this historic institution and contribute, however modestly, to its repositioning within an increasingly dynamic and competitive media environment.

“I am equally grateful to the good people of Edo State, both at home and in the diaspora, for their support, engagement and encouragement throughout my tenure. The opportunity to serve the public through broadcasting and to help strengthen the connection between government and the citizenry has been deeply fulfilling.

“My sincere appreciation also goes to my colleagues and the entire workforce of EBS. Their dedication, resilience, professionalism and unwavering commitment to excellence made our collective achievements possible.

“Together, we pursued a shared vision of transforming EBS into a modern, credible and forward-looking public broadcasting institution.

“As I take my leave, I remain confident that the organisation will continue to grow from strength to strength and fulfil its vital mandate in service to the people of Edo State.” Aledeh concluded.

This is not the first time Edo State Government has attempted to reorganize the state owned media organization. but each time, government interference and lack of political will to allow professionals operate the agency, led to abrupt end to the transformation.

The ccurrent change in EBS will turn the fortunes to a near zero position.