By High Chief Peter Don P Ojemen MFR, Okodalo of Esanland (NDC Edo Central Leader)
The recent gubernatorial campaign in Osun State was supposed to be a festival of democracy
and a contest of ideas. Instead, it became a theater of the absurd, starring none other than our
own Governor, Monday Okpebholo, and his band of associates. Their controversial outbursts,
militant posturing, and unguarded vitriol in a neighboring state have rightfully elicited widespread condemnation from political commentators and notable figures, including the music icon Davido.
As an elder statesman and the Okodalo of Esanland, I must state unequivocally: Governor
Okpebholo’s conduct was a profound embarrassment to the Edo people. It was a complete departure from the dignity, respect, and nobility that characterize Esan society and the broader Edo State.
First, let me extend my warmest congratulations to Governor Ademola Adeleke on his
resounding victory in Osun State. The outcome of that election reflects the will of the people and
their appetite for justice and fair play. These are principles that the true people of Edo hold dear,
standing in stark contrast to the anti-democratic posturing of the Okpebholo-led APC.
What makes Governor Okpebholo’s hostility in Osun particularly shameful is his blatant
disregard for the historical and cultural bonds between our people and the Adeleke family. The
late Dr. Veronica Imade Adeleke, Davido’s mother, was a proud and illustrious daughter of Edo
State. By marriage and by blood, the Adelekes are our esteemed in-laws.
For decades, the Adelekes have demonstrated warm affection and cordiality toward the Edo
people. A governor with a sense of history and diplomatic grace was supposed to elevate this
relationship, extending the hand of brotherhood even across party lines. Instead, Okpebholo
chose the path of a political militant, attempting to desecrate the homestead of our in-laws with
unprovoked aggression.
Sadly, this loud and meddlesome politicking abroad is merely a smokescreen for the
overwhelming failures at home. While Governor Okpebholo was busy constituting a nuisance in
Osun, Edo State continues to suffer under his haphazard, strategy-deficient administration.
Governance in Edo has been reduced to a mere “purchasing and supply” enterprise. Public
funds are brazenly squandered on the procurement of vehicles and mundane, unimpactful projects that lack transparent tracking or clear deadlines. Our state is bleeding.
The roads across Edo have become death traps and developmental nightmares, severely crippling
economic activities and isolating our communities.
Rather than confront the myriad of challenges facing the Esan people and the state at large,
Okpebholo has institutionalized a cult-like polarization of the polity. He has weaponized the APC to divide our people, all while public resources are funneled into a bottomless pit of mediocrity with no tangible relief for the masses.
As we face the campaign season here in Edo, this editorial serves as a stern warning. Let
Governor Okpebholo beware of his penchant for militant vitriol. We will not allow him to import
the thuggery and hostility he displayed in Osun into our borders. Do not attempt to set Edo State on fire.
Our people are exhausted by the lack of planning, the absence of vision, and the continuous
erosion of our collective dignity. If the Governor finds himself overwhelmed by the rigorous
demands of statecraft—as his actions clearly indicate—he should step aside.
The NDC stands ready to provide immediate, competent leadership to deliver for the Edo
people. It is time to restore the lost glory of our state and consign this era of embarrassing
leadership to the dustbin of history
