The youth of Agbede in Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State have raised serious concerns over the removal of Honourable Gani Audu as Chief of Staff to the Edo State Governor, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo.

In a statement issued at the weekend by the Agbede Youth Association and signed by its President, Honourable Ibrahim Dauda Saliu, the community described the development as troubling and emotionally unsettling, particularly for youths of Ayuele Kingdom.
According to the statement, Honourable Audu is regarded as the most prominent political figure from Ayuele Kingdom at the state level, and his appointment had given the people a sense of political inclusion and relevance. The association noted that while his redeployment as Commissioner for Oil and Gas remains a position of responsibility, the removal from the office of Chief of Staff carries strong symbolic implications.
The youths emphasized that they are not opposed to government decisions or accountability where necessary but argued that political actions should be guided by fairness, balance, and sensitivity to representation. They questioned whether any perceived shortcomings of an individual should result in what they described as the political sidelining of an entire community.
The statement further highlighted that Ayuele Kingdom has consistently remained peaceful, loyal, and law-abiding, supporting successive governments without resorting to violence or political unrest.
The Agbede youths clarified that their position should not be interpreted as an attack on the Edo State Government, the Governor, or the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Rather, they said it was a call for reassurance and inclusion, urging the state government and party leaders to reaffirm that Ayuele Kingdom is not politically marginalized.