Time for Development: How Governor Okpebholo Can Bridge Edo’s Divides
The Supreme Court’s final confirmation of Senator Monday Okpebholo as the duly elected Governor of Edo State following the contentious September 2024 election marks the conclusion of a long legal battle. While some may question the judgment, it is a significant milestone for many who have long championed the cause of an Esan man occupying the top seat in the state since the tragic truncation of Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor’s administration on November 11, 2008.
This victory is not just for Senator Okpebholo but for the Esan people who have been historically sidelined. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the governor on his triumph and express my hope that his administration will be one of service and progress, reflecting the aspirations of all Edo citizens.
As a son of Esan land, I feel it is crucial that the governor now takes a deliberate approach to governance, ensuring that his legacy is one that writes his name in gold among the greats of Edo State, such as Prof. Ambrose Folorunsho Alli and Dr. Samuel Osaigbovo Ogbemudia. These two men remain benchmarks in Edo’s history for their monumental contributions to the state’s infrastructure and human capacity development.
It is imperative that Governor Okpebholo rises to the challenge and proves himself a worthy successor, ensuring that he is remembered as an Esan man who left an indelible mark on the state, just as his predecessors did.
Governor Okpebholo now faces a critical test: he must demonstrate an unwavering commitment to the underdeveloped regions of the state, which have for too long remained neglected.
Since the creation of Edo State, certain areas have suffered from a lack of attention and infrastructure. Prominent among them are Akoko-Edo, Owan West, and Owan East in Edo North, as well as the entire Esan region — Esan Northeast, Esan Southeast, Esan Central, and Esan West.
These areas have historically been left behind in the march of progress, mainly due to the absence of an indigene at the helm of affairs at Osadebey Avenue.
As we saw during the tenures of former Governors Oshiomhole and Obaseki, governance in Edo was often fractured along ethnic lines, with each governor focusing largely on the development of their own senatorial district.
This divisive approach fostered a sense of alienation, with many regions beginning to question their place within the state. Governor Okpebholo must ensure that this does not continue under his leadership. He must rise above ethnic and political divisions and embrace the entire state, ensuring that every region has a fair share of development.
In line with the quote from the great Nelson Mandela, “There is nothing like returning to a place that remains unchanged to find the ways in which you yourself have altered.” Okpebholo must seize this opportunity to alter the trajectory of Edo State, ensuring that all parts of the state, especially those long forgotten, are brought into the fold of development. His administration must be one marked by empathy, strategic planning, and inclusivity.
Empathy, as noted by philosopher Confucius, is the key to transformative leadership: “Real knowledge is to know the extent of one’s ignorance.” Governor Okpebholo must recognize the areas of need and prioritize them with a view toward sustainable development.
Building human capacity through education, healthcare, and infrastructure is critical for empowering these communities and ensuring that they have equal opportunities to thrive.
Furthermore, as former U.S. President John F. Kennedy once stated, “The time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining.” Governor Okpebholo must act swiftly to address the infrastructure deficits that plague these neglected regions, from Akoko-Edo to Esan.
His leadership must be proactive, not reactive, and must focus on long-term solutions that will uplift all citizens of Edo State, regardless of their ethnic or regional background.
The task ahead is immense, but it is not insurmountable. With a commitment to empathy, unity, and sustainable development, Senator Monday Okpebholo has the opportunity to become the governor who bridges the gaps of division and leads Edo State into a new era of progress.
His success will be measured not just by the prosperity of a few but by the upliftment of all the people of Edo, regardless of their geographical or ethnic background.
As someone who fought from the other side of the divide, I have no regret for playing my role in enhancing democratic processes in my dear state of Edo. But as the holy book admonishes, there is a time for everything, a time to scatter and a time to gather. For me, politics is over.
It is now time to come together and build, to jaw-jaw and not war-war, for the sake of our people and development. We must all unite and support the governor, because his success is the success of the Esan people in particular and Edo State in general.
I wish Governor Okpebholo success in his tenure, and I pray that his leadership will exceed the achievements of all previous governors combined. Edo State’s future is bright if only we can work together to ensure that every community, every region, and every citizen has an equal opportunity to succeed.
The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Truth Live News.
Deacon Darlington Okpebholo Ray, MSc, CIPD, BAJ,
Human Resource Expert, Journalist, and Socio-Political Rights Activist, London, England
