A delegation of Esan traditional rulers and leaders of Esan Okpa Initiative (EOI), a socio-cultural non-partisan group, has requested the Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo Oba Ewuare II to intervene in the ensuing political contest in Edo State to ensure that a Governor of Esan extraction emerges to succeed the incumbent, Mr. Godwin Obaseki whose second – and final – term expires on 11th November 2024. The delegation was led by the Onojie of Uromi, His Royal Highness Anselm Edenojie II.
EOI’s President, Rt. Hon. Mathew Egbadon thanked the Omo N’Oba for the warm reception accorded the delegation, felicitating with the Benin monarch over his recent appointment as Chancellor of National Open University of Nigeria.
According to Egbadon, the pioneer Speaker of Edo State House of Assembly, the quest for a Governor of Esan extraction is hinged on justice, equity and fairness, arguing that since the advent of the state in 1991, the Esan have only produced the governor for 18 months through Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor.
Also lamenting the political exclusion of Esanland from top positions in the state, Egbadon stated that the state rests on a tripod of Edo North, Edo Central and Edo South to make for cordial relationship amongst a people who share common ancestry.
He said: “We would like to seize this opportunity to formally apprise Your Majesty of the yearning and desire of Esan people to produce the next Governor of Edo State, at the end of the tenure of the present administration in 2024.
“We know that this is a matter primarily within the remit of politicians and political parties to decide on. We have started engaging the various political leaders, across the political divide in the state, on the need to have a Governor of Esan extraction at Osadebey Avenue come 2024. This will be in the interest of equity, fairness and justice which Edo people are known for.
“To dispel the deliberate misinformation being bandied by some mischievous people, we need to state clearly and unequivocally, that there is no ethnic insularity to this yearning. Edo people are one – Edo Okpa Makhin. We believe that all parts of Edo State have bountiful talents and sound minds that can work in unison for the greater good and development of Edo State for the benefit of all. Esan people have never nursed any divisive, narrow minded or supremacist agenda, and shall eternally remain in friendship and brotherhood love with all other Edo people across the State.
“Since the creation of our state in 1991, the statistics shows that we have only had an Edo Governor of Esan extraction for a period of about 18 months, in the person of Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor. Cumulatively, our kith and kin in Edo South would have occupied the office for about 17 years by the end of the tenure of the present administration in 2024. While our kith and kin in Edo North have effectively occupied the seat for eight years already.
“We are happy to report to Your Royal Majesty, that a considerable number of the political leaders and influential personalities we have consulted in the state have supported our yearning and desire for an Edo Governor of Esan extraction, come 2024. We will continue to engage a wide variety of political and other opinion moulders, in our State to buy into and support this yearning in the interest of the unity of the Edo people.
“Though you are not a politician, we solicit Your Royal Majesty’s support and blessing for this yearning and desire of Esan people. We give full assurance that we shall encourage and support our best Esan sons and daughters, if necessary, to contest the elections for the office of the Governor on the platforms of the various major political parties, come 2024.
“We thank Your Majesty for receiving our delegation. We shall continue to accord our respect and unalloyed loyalty to Your Majesty and the revered throne of our common ancestors. We request Your Majesty to grant us the opportunity to return in the nearest future, to express our deep appreciation to Your Majesty and account for the realisation of this desirable cause”.
While thanking the Esan traditional rulers and leaders for their visit, the Oba of Benin promised to look into the issue raised. Stressing that the matter brought before him was akin to security matter which are not discussed in public, he said that he would consult widely with relevant stakeholders to ensure fairness and equity before getting back on the issue.
Last month, EOI kickstarted consultations with influential personalities in Edo North and Edo South Senatorial zones with the aim of eliciting their support for a Governor of Esan extraction by next year.
