Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has resolved the leadership crisis rocking the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Edo State Chapter, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to maintaining peace and protecting vital oil infrastructure across the state.

The Governor made this known when he received the newly elected IPMAN executive, led by its Chairman, Mr. Michael Ogiamen, at the Government House in Benin City.

Commending the association for amicably settling its internal disputes, Governor Okpebholo pledged his administration’s continued support for petroleum marketers, emphasising the importance of unity and dialogue within the organisation.

“I want to thank the IPMAN leadership for resolving your differences. I am happy you have come to inform me that peace has returned,” Okpebholo said. “I urge you to reach out to the other faction, engage in dialogue, and bring everyone together so that things can move smoothly.”

The governor also addressed concerns over pipeline vandalization along the Benin Depot–Warri Refinery corridor, assuring that the state government has already established a task force on pipeline monitoring to strengthen the security of oil installations.

“We have set up a task force on pipeline monitoring, and I will be engaging the Delta State Governor to ensure both states collaborate to curb vandalism,” he said.

Okpebholo further disclosed plans to empower the Senior Special Assistant on Pipeline Surveillance, Hon. Joseph Okonigene, to enhance effective monitoring and protection of critical petroleum infrastructure across Edo State.

In his remarks, IPMAN chairman Mr. Michael Ogiamen thanked the Governor for his swift intervention in restoring peace to the association, assuring that the new leadership would uphold transparency, unity, and leadership continuity.

“At the expiration of my tenure, I will hand over to my vice chairman in line with our constitution. We are committed to maintaining peace and integrity within the association,” Ogiamen stated.

Members of the committee established by the Governor to resolve the IPMAN crisis, led by Comrade Eribo Nwanta, expressed gratitude to Okpebholo for his decisive leadership, noting that his intervention has restored harmony among petroleum marketers in the state.

Deputy Governor Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa and other top government officials were also in attendance at the meeting.