The pan socio-cultural, Esan Okpa Initiative (EOI) has showered encomiums on the late Esogban of Benin, Chief David U. Edebiri, who passed last Thursday at 93.
The non partisan movement saluted not only Edebiri’s forthright stance as an elder statesman who spoke truth to power, but also commended his immense contributions to the struggle for the birth of both the defunct Midwest Region in 1963 and Edo State in 1991.
Also recalling his firm disposition to the agitation for the next Governor of Edo State to be of Esan extraction, EOI said: “We have lost a visionary elder statesman who was committed to a harmonious relationship amongst all groups in Edo State” which trace their origin to the same roots.
In a condolence letter by the EOI President, Rt. Hon. Mathew Egbadon; and General Secretary, Dr; Celey Okogun, the organization said that it “commiserates with His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, Ogidigan, the Oba of Benin, Benin Traditional Council and the entire family of the Esogban of Benin Kingdom, Late Chief (Dr.) David U. Edebiri, OON on his recent transition to glory at the age of 94, making him the oldest palace chief.
“Though saddened, we however feel privileged to have interacted with the Esogban, on 9th June 2023, in what is, arguably, one of his last official public engagement/outing during our consultation visit to his palace on Esan’s quest to produce the next elected Governor of Edo State in 2024. He was full of life, hearty and joked with the delegation.
“The Esogban of Benin Kingdom, Late Chief (Dr.) David U. Edebiri, OON will be remembered as the only Nigerian, who worked assiduously for the creation of two states – Midwest Region and Edo State within a generation.
“Until his transition, he remained passionate about good governance in Edo State and our dear country Nigeria.
Adieu, Esogban of Benin Kingdom! He will be sorely missed!!”, the letter further stated.
As part of its series of consultations with personalities in Edo State to ensure that an Esan person succeeds Governor Godwin Obaseki when his tenure expires on 11th November 2024, the delegation, led by EOI had a fruitful meeting with the Esogban on the 9th June. While he contended that it was within Esan’s rights to demand the governorship ticket, it was his view that the Edo Central senatorial zone needed to offer a strong candidate that would be acceptable to the North and southern zones.
Apart from visiting the Oba of Benin along with Esan traditional rulers, the EOI-led delegation also met with the first civilian Governor of Edo State, Chief John Odigie Oyegun; former Chief of Staff to the President, Chief Mike Oghiadomhe; and former Senator representing Edo South, Mathew Urhoghide. Others included the All Progressive Congress candidate in the 2020 governorship election, Pastor Osagie Ize Iyamu and Ha former Political Adviser to Governor Adams Oshiomhole, on. Charles Idahosa, among many others.
While some preferred to be silent, the Esogban, a journalist and former Chairman of Benin Forum, never minced words on the issue of governance in Edo State and the country. He was never shy of telling Obaseki that he needed to be more responsive to the yearnings of Edo people. He also counseled Obaseki about building bridges rather than sustaining a not-too-chummy relationship with his mentors. He held the strong view that Nigeria missed its way to enviable development when it abandoned the parliamentary system and embraced the American presidential system of governance.
On the occasion of his 93rd birthday celebration and the unveiling of his three books in Benin City last September, Edebiri, popularly called ‘The Oracle’ because of his accurate analysis and predictions of political events, disclosed that his mentor, Chief Anthony Enahoro always invited him to ask whether “this is the Nigeria we fought for?”, pointing out that those who fought for the country’s independence did not fight for what they would gain from the system, but rather for the love of the country.
Edebiri recalled: “My mentor, Late Chief Anthony Enahoro would invite me to his house and will ask, ‘is this what we fought for?This is part of the questions he will ask before we start any discussion. This is not the concept of the nationalist who fought for the independence of this country, we derailed long ago, when we suddenly threw away the parliamentary system of government and embraced the American presidential system, but it was embraced haphazardly, because what we are doing today is neither American system, British system, nor Russian system.
“Some of us have been agitating for a return to the parliamentary system of government. If you want to adopt a country’s system of government, you adopt it wholesomely and not haphazardly. Today, our judiciary is British and we are operating an American system. What we have is people going into politics for what you are to gain, that is not how it used to be. We fought for this country so that we can be free not because we want to be senators”.
