News

Leadership Crisis Rocks Edo Farmers Association

Published

3 years ago

January 31, 2023

Editor

The leadership crisis rocking the Edo State branch of All Farmers Association of Nigeria (ALFAN), came to the fore on Tuesday as a faction led by Comrade Julius Usiagu as chairman dissociated itself from one Alhaji Bako Dogwo who is also parading himself as the chairman of the association in the state.

Comrade Usiagu, who claimed to be the authentic chairman of ALFAN in Edo State said Dogwo has no legal right to speak for Edo farmers because he had been suspended and remained suspended, further describing Dogwo as an impostor.

Comrade Usiagu stance is coming after a media report had it that Dogwo, on behalf of ALFAN, endorsed the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Bola Tinubu for President.

Comrade Usiagu, during a press conference in Benin also berated Dogwo for a statement credited to him (Dogwo) that Edo State Government has not done anything in agriculture, saying the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration has done greatly well for farmers.

“Bako has no locust standing to speak for farmers in Edo State. He is a suspended member of ALFAN in Edo State and his suspension is still pending. So, he cannot speak for ALFAN in Edo State.

Usiagu continued: “We are calling on Edolites to stop transaction with him, he is not chairman of ALFAN in Edo State.”

On Edo State Government not doing anything in agriculture, Usiagu said: “Bako also said Edo State Government is not doing anything in agriculture, that is a slite on governor Godwin Obaseki-led government. For the record, Edo government has so far supported 1, 376 small holders’ farmers with inputes (Rice, Maize, Cassava bundles, Soya Bean, Fertilisers and Agrochemical) under the Independent Farmers Initiative.”

Comrade Usiagu who alleged that Dogwo is also impersonating himself as His Royal Highness in Benin land, said: “I appeal to our Royal father, Ewuare II to call Dogwo to order. I don’t know where he got his title. He cannot be in Benin land and be regarded as HRH. The place where he stays, there is an Enogie, so how come, are we going to have two Enogies in a Dukedom in Benin land, no. Oba should call this man to order.”

But in a swift reaction, Alhaji Dogwo said he remains ALFAN chairman in Edo State, claiming that Usiagu has no relevant documents to back his claim as chairman up.

According to him, he is the chairman national body of the association recognised and dealing with in the state.

On alleged Tinubu’s endorsement, Dogwo said he or his team never endorsed any candidate, adding that APC candidates came to see him and his excos, and as required, the candidates were accommodated to speak and not endorsed.

Speaking on the alleged impersonation, HRH, Alhaji Dogwo said he is the His Royal Highness from Bassa, Kogi State.

News

Edo Govt Bars Journalists From Covering Event In State House

Published

7 minutes ago

December 2, 2025

Editor

Journalists invited by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to cover the declaration of Edo as the official hosts of the 2026 NDDC Sports Festival were on Tuesday barred from covering the event inside the Government House in Benin City.

The journalists had sat at the venue of the event named Presidential Villa inside the Government House at around 11:00 a.m. for the official kick off of the event.

After waiting for over one hour in the Presidential Villa, information came that the venue for the event had been changed to the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) office, prompting both the journalists, NDDC officials and other dignitaries to move from the Presidential Villa to the SSG office.

Not too long had both the journalists and other dignitaries seated at the conference hall of the SSG that one of the protocols of the governor popularly known as Pikolo arrived at the hall and announced that the government was informed that only 27 persons were invited for the programme, hence anyone whose name was not in the government list would not be allowed into to the programme when it commences.

A few minutes after Pikolo made the announcement, Chairman of the Edo State chapter of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, Kehinde Osaigede stood up to announce that he had been sent a message that the venue had been changed to the initial venue (Presidential Villa).

Moving out of the SSG section of the Government House to the Presidential Villa, journalists came across the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Fred Itua, and when he saw them (journalists) he asked after exchanging pleasantries, “were you invited by the organisers? No, I will not allow you in, this is strictly for State House reporters. The governor is personally attending the programme, so it is strictly for the State House. Presidential Villa? No!”

Shortly after uttering the above words near the Deputy Governor’s section inside the Government House, Itua moved hurriedly to the Presidential Villa section and the gate was shot for screening of persons.

When journalists and others invited got to the gate of the Presidential Villa they were subjected to screening. While some dignitaries were screened in, some journalists and some staff members of the NDDC were shut out of the venue.

News

Otuaro Felicitates Tompolo On Honorary Doctorate Award

Published

16 hours ago

December 2, 2025

Editor

Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr Dennis Otuaro has congratulated High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, on the conferment of an Honorary Doctorate of Laws (LLD) by the E.K. Clark University.

Otuaro described the recognition as well-deserved and befitting, noting that Tompolo has, over the years, demonstrated uncommon commitment to the peace, progress, and stability of the Niger Delta and Nigeria at large.

According to him, Tompolo’s role in sustaining peace in the region, particularly through his steadfast support for dialogue, community engagement, and nonviolent approaches to conflict resolution, has made a significant contribution to national security and economic stability.

He further noted that, beyond his contributions to peacebuilding, Tompolo has demonstrated extraordinary compassion, philanthropy, and devotion to humanitarian causes.

He added that his investments in youth empowerment stand as clear evidence of a man whose heart is truly with his people.

“Tompolo’s good heart, generosity, and love for humanity distinguish him as a leader of rare character,” Otuaro said.

The PAP Administrator commended E.K. Clark University for identifying and honouring a personality whose impact continues to resonate across the Niger Delta and beyond.

He urged other institutions to emulate such gestures that celebrate individuals advancing society through selfless service.

Dr Otuaro prayed for God’s continued guidance, long life, and strength for High Chief Ekpemupolo as he continues to serve the Niger Delta and Nigeria with dignity, wisdom, and compassion.