Ten Controversial Governors Who Have Given Us a Good Show Recently

Nigeria’s political landscape never fails to entertain, and the current set of governors is giving us more drama than a Nollywood blockbuster. From epic political battles to eyebrow-raising policies, these leaders have kept tongues wagging and social media buzzing. Here are the most controversial governors making headlines for all the wrong—or right—reasons.

1. Edo State – Governor Monday Okpebholo

Nothing grabs national attention like a governor struggling to read his own budget. Governor Monday Okpebholo found himself in the spotlight when he fumbled through Edo State’s N605 billion budget presentation. His stammering performance went viral, with many Nigerians questioning whether he had actually seen the document before stepping onto the podium. To make matters worse, former governor Adams Oshiomhole later stepped in to speak on his behalf during an interview marking his 100 days in office.

2. Imo State – Governor Hope Uzodinma

Imo State has had its fair share of political controversy, and Governor Hope Uzodinma remains at the center of it all. His rise to power was itself a legal rollercoaster—he became governor without winning the election. The Supreme Court’s ruling that ousted Chukwuemeka Ihedioha and installed Uzodinma remains one of the most debated judicial decisions in Nigeria’s history. Since then, his tenure has been marked by security challenges and accusations of being a "Supreme Court-imposed governor."

3. Rivers State – Governor Siminalayi Fubara

Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s tenure started on a peaceful note, but things quickly went south when he fell out with his predecessor, Nyesom Wike. What started as a quiet political disagreement turned into an all-out war, complete with an attempted impeachment, a legislative house split, and presidential intervention. Despite President Bola Tinubu stepping in to broker peace, the power struggle between Fubara and Wike is far from over. Rivers State remains a political battlefield.

4. Bauchi State – Governor Bala Mohammed

Governor Bala Mohammed has become one of President Tinubu’s most vocal critics, often attacking his economic policies. Mohammed argues that Tinubu’s reforms are worsening poverty, particularly in Northern Nigeria. In response, the Presidency has told him to focus on fixing Bauchi’s problems instead of engaging in what it called “irresponsible politics.” But with rising food prices and economic uncertainty, Mohammed’s voice continues to grow louder.

5. Kano State – Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf

Few governors have caused as much controversy as Abba Kabir Yusuf. From mass demolitions of buildings to firing shots at his predecessor Abdullahi Ganduje, Yusuf has been on a mission to “clean up” Kano—whether the people like it or not. His decision to reinstate Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II, who was controversially dethroned by Ganduje, only deepened political divisions. Supporters call him a fearless reformer; critics say he’s just stirring chaos.

6. Akwa Ibom State – Governor Umo Eno

What’s governance without a little fun? Governor Umo Eno decided to introduce state-sponsored “Happy Hour” every Friday, encouraging civil servants to unwind. While some saw it as a creative way to boost morale, others accused him of prioritizing parties over pressing issues. The Happy Hour policy trended nationwide, with Nigerians debating whether it was an innovation or just an unserious distraction.

7. Kogi State – Governor Usman Ododo

Governor Usman Ododo made headlines for allegedly helping his predecessor, Yahaya Bello, escape arrest by the EFCC. When EFCC operatives showed up at Bello’s residence, Ododo reportedly arrived in a government convoy and whisked him away. The incident fueled accusations that Ododo is merely a puppet governor, protecting Bello instead of focusing on governance. The EFCC is still after Bello, and Ododo is still defending him—this saga is far from over.

8. Oyo State – Governor Seyi Makinde

Governor Seyi Makinde found himself in hot water after meddling in the selection of the new Alaafin of Oyo. Many traditionalists accused him of interfering in royal succession, sparking heated debates about the government’s role in cultural matters. While Makinde insists his actions were legal, the controversy has refused to die down.

9. Ogun State – Governor Dapo Abiodun

Governor Dapo Abiodun has been accused of demolishing properties belonging to political opponents, most notably a high-profile data center linked to opposition figure Oladipupo Adebutu. Critics claim the demolitions are politically motivated, while Abiodun maintains they were illegal constructions. Either way, his actions have kept him in the news for all the wrong reasons.

10. Abia State – Governor Alex Otti

Governor Alex Otti took office and immediately began what he called a “clean-up” of the state’s civil service. This resulted in mass layoffs of thousands of government workers, many of whom claimed their appointments were legitimate. The move sparked outrage, with affected workers calling it unfair and politically motivated. Otti insists he’s only removing illegal hires, but the backlash continues.

Final Thoughts

Nigeria’s governors never fail to keep things interesting. Whether it’s budget blunders, political battles, or EFCC chases, these leaders have given Nigerians plenty to talk about. Love them or hate them, one thing is certain—governance in Nigeria is anything but boring!