By ENITAN ABEL JOHNGOLD
In the ever-evolving landscape of Delta State politics, where political affiliations, interests and alignments may change with time, true leadership remains defined by enduring impact, meaningful contributions and the lives positively influenced. For Hon. Anthony Okotie, a former Member of the Delta State Post Primary Education Board, the political relevance and contributions of Hon. Evangelist Michael Diden, popularly known as Ejele, are far too significant to be diminished by political differences or the changing tides of partisan politics.
Okotie, an APC chieftain and Coordinator of the Benin River Vanguard, a political mobilisation group in Delta State committed to the political aspirations and leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, has described Ejele as a respected political figure whose legacy continues to speak volumes about his commitment to the development of Warri North, Delta South and Delta State at large.
Okotie made the remarks while speaking on Ejele’s towering political influence and enduring leadership grip during a political debate on the APC’s electoral chances in Warri yesterday.
According to Okotie, Ejele’s contributions to the political development of the state, particularly his years of service, political engagement, leadership experience and commitment to grassroots mobilisation, deserve recognition and appreciation beyond the narrow considerations of partisan politics.
“Hon. Evangelist Michael Diden, popularly known as Ejele, is a leader whose contributions to Delta State cannot be erased by political differences. Leadership is not measured merely by political arguments, temporary disagreements or the positions people occupy at a particular moment. It is measured by impact, legacy, service, and the number of lives touched positively.
“History will always speak for itself. Political affiliations may differ, and circumstances may change, but genuine contributions to society remain part of our collective history. Ejele’s legacy stands tall, and no amount of political disagreement can diminish the value of his contributions,” Okotie stated.
A LEADER WHOSE CONTRIBUTIONS TRANSCEND POLITICAL AFFILIATIONS
Ejele’s political journey reflects years of involvement in the governance and political affairs of Delta State. Having served as a Member of the Delta State House of Assembly, contested for the Delta South Senatorial District seat, and served as Chairman of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), he has occupied important positions within the state’s political and administrative structures.
His experience across legislative politics, public administration and political mobilisation has made him a notable figure in the political history of Delta South.
As the leader of the Delta Political Vanguard, Ejele has also remained an influential participant in the political mobilisation process, providing leadership and direction within his political constituency.
For Okotie, these records of service and political participation should be viewed within the broader context of leadership, experience and contributions to the development of the state.
He maintained that the true essence of political leadership is not about how many political disagreements one survives, but about the positive footprints left behind and the enduring value of one’s contribution to society.
EJELE: ONE OF THE BACKBONES OF BENIN RIVER VANGUARD
Speaking further, Okotie particularly acknowledged Ejele’s strategic importance to the Benin River Vanguard, describing him as one of the group’s critical pillars and a dependable political leader whose influence and experience remain invaluable to its mobilisation efforts.
He explained that the Benin River Vanguard recognises the importance of experienced political leaders who understand the dynamics of grassroots politics, constituency engagement and the need for sustained political organisation.
“Ejele is one of the backbones of the Benin River Vanguard. We recognise his experience, political sagacity, leadership capacity and contributions to the political process in Delta State.
“Our movement appreciates individuals who have made meaningful contributions to our political development. Ejele is one of such leaders. His experience and political journey remain worthy of respect, and we are proud to acknowledge his place in our political family,” Okotie said.
He added that political movements must be built on mutual respect, loyalty, shared aspirations and the recognition of the contributions of those who have helped strengthen their foundations.
According to him, the Benin River Vanguard is committed to promoting progressive politics, political stability, inclusive participation and the collective advancement of Delta State.
LEADERSHIP IS ABOUT IMPACT, NOT POLITICAL CONTROVERSY
Okotie further emphasised that political disagreements should never become an excuse for disregarding the contributions of individuals who have played significant roles in the development of their communities and the state.
He noted that the ability to acknowledge the good works of others, irrespective of prevailing political circumstances, is an important attribute of maturity, fairness and responsible leadership.
He described Ejele’s unwavering commitment to the growth of Warri North and Delta State as a source of inspiration, noting that his political engagements and contributions have helped strengthen grassroots consciousness and inspire hope among many people.
“Ejele’s unwavering commitment to the growth of Warri North and Delta State has transformed lives, inspired hope and strengthened the foundation of progressive leadership.
“We must learn to separate political differences from the recognition of genuine contributions. We cannot build a better political culture by ignoring the good works of people simply because political circumstances or interests are not always the same.
“Respect for leadership, appreciation of service and recognition of legacy should remain values that guide us as political stakeholders,” he added.
A PHILOSOPHY ROOTED IN JUSTICE, RIGHTEOUSNESS AND ACCOUNTABILITY
Okotie also drew attention to one of Ejele’s guiding philosophies, which underscores the importance of justice, righteousness and personal accountability.
He recalled Ejele’s philosophical position that:
“Whoever does what is just and right, does so for his own good; and whoever does evil, does so to his own hurt; and never does God do the least wrong to His creatures.”
According to Okotie, this philosophy reinforces the timeless principle that every individual must be guided by fairness, integrity, justice and accountability in their dealings with others.
He explained that leadership should be anchored on doing what is right, recognising that actions have consequences and that history ultimately judges individuals by their conduct, decisions and contributions.
For him, these are enduring values that should inform political engagement and public service, especially in a democratic society where tolerance, mutual respect and responsible leadership are essential to sustainable development.
BENIN RIVER VANGUARD REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO THE RENEWED HOPE FOR MORE AGENDA
While acknowledging Ejele’s contributions and place within the political structure, Okotie reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the Benin River Vanguard to its political mobilisation responsibilities and support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and the All Progressives Congress (APC).
He stressed that the group remains committed, loyal and fully mobilised towards advancing the Renewed Hope For More Agenda through sustained grassroots engagement and political participation.
He noted that the Vanguard’s mobilisation strategy is driven by the conviction that political success requires organisation, dedication, effective communication and continuous engagement with the people at the grassroots.
“Benin River Vanguard remains committed, loyal and fully mobilised for the Renewed Hope For More Agenda. We will continue to work tirelessly, door to door, street to street and ward to ward, to ensure victory for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and the APC.
“Our commitment to this political movement is firm. We understand that political mobilisation is not achieved through words alone; it requires dedication, sacrifice, strategic engagement and consistent presence among the people.
“We shall continue to mobilise, sensitise and galvanise support across our communities, ensuring that the message of progressive leadership reaches every ward and every household,” Okotie declared.
A FINAL WORD: HISTORY WILL REMEMBER THE FOOTPRINTS OF LEADERSHIP
In conclusion, Hon. Anthony Okotie maintained that the political history of Delta State must be broad enough to accommodate the contributions of individuals who have served in different capacities and at different times.
He reiterated that Hon. Evangelist Michael Diden, popularly known as Ejele, remains a respected political leader whose contributions deserve recognition and whose political legacy cannot be reduced to the disagreements or controversies that may accompany the democratic process.
For Okotie, the ultimate test of leadership is not the noise of the moment but the footprints left behind; not the intensity of political arguments but the quality of service rendered; and not temporary political calculations but the enduring impact on society.
“Ejele’s legacy speaks beyond politics. His contributions, experience and commitment to the people of Delta State remain important parts of our political history. We must always give honour where it is due and recognise leadership wherever meaningful contributions have been made.
“Political differences should never make us lose sight of our shared responsibility to appreciate service, encourage good leadership and build a better future for our people.
“Ejele’s legacy stands tall, and history will continue to speak for itself,” Okotie concluded.
For Hon. Anthony Okotie, the message is unmistakable: genuine leadership deserves recognition, service deserves appreciation, and a meaningful legacy remains greater than the politics of the moment.
