Metro

OPINION: Edo 2024 Is ‘Eghe Esan’

Published

3 years ago

September 29, 2023

By Victor Ofure Osehobo

A few years ago, it was the norm in Edo politics, since the South had the Governor, for the North to have the Deputy Governor and for Central to have the speaker’s position. It was the custom of the ruling PDP then that to promote oneness and give all districts in the state a sense of belonging, it was better to observe this unwritten code.

This is why from 1999- 2007, when the PDP was in power, the governor was from the South, his deputy from the North and the Speaker from Central. It was the same picture during the 18-month PDP tenure from May 2007 – November 2008, when the governor was from the Central, his deputy was from South and the Speaker from the North.

But this worthwhile development which made for peaceful, harmonious co-existence and brotherhood in an ethnically diverse state like Edo was set aside when the APC found itself in power first in Edo in 2008. The governor was from Edo North, deputy, South and Speaker, South. In 2012, while the governor was from North, the deputy remained in the South and the Speaker remained in the South.

Thus from 2008, Edo Central has been left out in the scheme of things. In 2008, with the governor from Edo north, deputy from the South, it was said that the party had a greenhorn in the legislative branch who could not occupy the high office of Speaker.

Despite the hue and cry of the Central folks Edo south clung to the two vital slots from 2008 till the dying minutes of 2016, when reluctantly the Speakership was left for the Central district.

Those who expected this vital change in 2016 to survive as if to rectify a fault or correct an anomaly were shocked when the Central was stripped of the Speakership midstream in favour of the South again.

And for the political gains anticipated the South reluctantly donated the Speakership to the Central, during the campaigns, tele-guided the office while it went to Central and even worked against the occupant, before the run of unhealthy events saw the the North take the office back.

Since 2016, Edo has had a governor from the South, a deputy from the North and a Speaker from the North, leaving the Central empty. From 2020 till now, it is the same scenario. Unfortunately this very ugly trend now reverberates through the state government apparatus in Benin City.

Key state government establishments embark on the deliberate removal of Edo Central folks from key positions and offices they were appointed into on the basis of qualification and competence and are replaced with South and North counterparts.

The reason is that the people of Edo Central or the modern Esan nation are part and parcel of Edo. We are citizens who left the Benin Empire and formed communities and kingdoms thereafter. We were not slaves before or after. History is clear on this.

As 2024 approaches, there is once again desperate moves to sideline Edo Central. Political Leaders from North and South, who ought to know better are either aspiring themselves or busy sponsoring aspirants from their zones to rob Edo Central of this rare opportunity.

This should be avoided. This is how it happened in the recent past with the office of the Speaker of the State House of Assembly. The goat will bite when faced with no escape but pushed to the wall. This attempt to blank out Edo Central must stop.

My name is Victor Ofure Osehobo. I am making Common sense

Metro

Ex-convict Arrested In Edo For Armed Robbery, Possession Of Firearm

Published

8 hours ago

May 5, 2026

Editor

The Edo State Security Corps (ESSC) has arrested a 45-year-old ex-convict, Owen Osas, for alleged unlawful possession of firearms and suspected involvement in a robbery incident.

Osas was reportedly arrested with a cut-to-size single-barrel gun during a covert operation along Fishpond Road in Eyean, Uhunmwonde Local Government Area.

The arrest reportedly comes barely a year after he was released from prison, where he had served time for illegal possession of firearms and other criminal offences.

Osas, who confessed to the latest crime, also admitted to being a member of the Eiye Confraternity.

READ ALSO:Tragedy As Suspected Kidnappers Kill Young Entrepreneur In Edo
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Consequently, a victim of an alleged robbery incident, Reginia Izy, identified Osas as the person who robbed her a day before his arrest.
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The victim narrated that the suspect had approached her residence around 8 p.m., pretending to be familiar before carrying out the attack.
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‎The Deputy Commander Operations of ESSC, Richard Balogun, said the arrest was part of intensified efforts to rid Edo State of criminal elements.

READ ALSO:Edo South Senatorial Seat: Nothing Wrong Seeking Wike’s Support – Ogbeide-Ihama
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‎Balogun explained that operatives conduct both overt patrols and covert operations to track and apprehend suspects.
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He said, ‎“Our men are always on patrol. Some operate in plain clothes as part of covert strategies, while others are stationed at strategic locations.

“Osas, who is a former convict, was arrested with firearms and he also confessed to be a member of the Eiye Confraternity.”
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Metro

Gunmen Kidnap Businessman In Ibadan

Published

2 days ago

May 4, 2026

Editor

Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted a 60-year-old man in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The victim was kidnapped on Saturday while on his way to his residence.

The incident occurred at Jinarere, Alakia in Ibadan.

Public Relations Officer of the State Police command, Olayinka Ayanlade, when contacted, confirmed the incident.

Ayanlade in a statement made available to DAILY POST on Sunday, explained that efforts are ongoing to rescue the victim.

Ayanlade said, “Preliminary information reveals that the victim, a 60-year-old male and building materials trader, was accosted while returning home along the Jinarere axis of Alakia Road by four masked armed men, who forcefully whisked him away in an unregistered ash-coloured Toyota Corolla vehicle”.

Metro

Tragedy As Suspected Kidnappers Kill Young Entrepreneur In Edo

Published

2 days ago

May 3, 2026

Editor

A 30-year-old entrepreneur and CEO of Principle Takeout, Justice Abu Oshioke, has been killed by suspected kidnappers in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State.

He was reportedly attacked by the suspected kidnappers on Saturday while on his way to pick up an order made for his child’s dedication on Sunday morning.

Eyewitnesses said the attackers attempted to force him into a nearby bush in a kidnapping attempt. However, he reportedly resisted and tried to escape.

In the course of the struggle, the assailants opened fire, shooting him multiple times.

Concerned residents quickly rushed him to a nearby medical facility, but he was confirmed dead on arrival.

The deceased was said to have recently gotten married and welcomed a baby boy.

The tragic event has turned a joyous occasion into a moment of grief for the family.

The shocking development has left the Ekpoma community in deep sorrow, with many residents expressing outrage over the growing insecurity in the area.

Edo State Police Command’s spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem confirmed the incident and said the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika has ordered a “full-scale investigation and intensified manhunt for those responsible.”

According to her, the Police, in collaboration with the military, local vigilantes, and hunters, are actively pursuing the perpetrators through coordinated operations.