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Obaseki: “The Audacity of a Drowning Governor”
Obaseki: “The Audacity of a Drowning Governor”
By Augustine Osayande
In the intricate landscape of Edo State politics, recent events have thrust the suspension of two esteemed Enigies, Prof Gregory Akenzua and Chief Edomwonyi Ogiegbaen, into the spotlight once more. Their suspension by the monarch of the Benin Kingdom, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, has sparked legal challenges and raised pertinent questions about governance, authority, and political dynamics within the state.
The suspension of Prof. Gregory Akenzua and Chief Edomwonyi Ogiegbaen stemmed from their alleged involvement in leading a delegation to the Governor with the aim of restructuring the traditional councils within the Benin Kingdom. This moves incited backlash from community elders and ultimately led to their suspension by the Benin Palace.
The assertion by the Enigies that only Governor Godwin Obaseki possesses the authority to remove them from their offices has triggered a legal battle, highlighting a chapter in Edo’s political history that will likely endure in collective memory. While the Edo State Government officially distances itself from involvement in the legal proceedings against the revered Oba of Benin, rumors on social media speculate about potential support from Governor Obaseki for the Enigies’ cause. However, these speculations have been vehemently dismissed as the work of malicious elements with ulterior motives by the government’s spokesperson.
The underlying question persists: if Governor Obaseki is not supporting the Enigies, why do they maintain that only him has the power to suspend them? Furthermore, why has the governor refrained from publicly condemning their actions, particularly their claim of being dispatched from the Palace during their visit to Ife? Again, on several occasions, Governor Obaseki have been seen winning and dining with the suspended Enigies
Governor Obaseki’s decision to distance himself from the legal proceedings against the Oba of Benin presents a challenging stance. The complexities of Edo’s political landscape suggest that this case will continue to attract scrutiny, shedding light on the intricate power dynamics within the state.
Governor Obaseki’s administration withheld statutory allocations to Edo traditional institutions amid the controversy, citing unresolved administrative issues between the government and the Benin Palace. However, the subsequent disbursement of these funds separately to the Benin Traditional Council and other newly created traditional councils across Edo South LGAs raised eyebrows and fueled speculation.
The decision by the Edo State Executive Council to create traditional councils especially in Edo South Senatorial District further exacerbated tensions, leading to legal challenges from the Benin Enigies. The ongoing legal dispute underscores broader questions about governance and political allegiances within the state.
The matter concerning the repatriation of artifacts presents another aspect in which Governor Obaseki’s actions have been subject to criticism. It is widely acknowledged that Governor Obaseki enlisted the services of undisclosed consultants without the prior knowledge of the Oba. In doing so, the governor deviated from the agreed-upon strategy established in conjunction with the Palace, of which he was initially a participant. In response to the Palace’s reservations regarding Governor Obaseki’s unilateral approach, characterized as “hasty,” the governor proceeded to mobilize his Chiefs to explore alternative avenues for asserting the Benin Kingdom’s claim to its ancient treasures.
In conclusion, the unfolding events in Edo State underscore the delicate balance between governance, tradition, and political realities. In navigating these intricate power dynamics, Governor Obaseki faces the challenge of balancing governance, tradition, and political realities. While Governor Obaseki’s designated candidate for the forthcoming September 2024 Gubernatorial election, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, and Osarodion Ogie Campaign Council the Campaign Council have formally articulated their stance, expressing profound disapproval towards any actions perceived from Abuja via austinelande@yahoo.com
Obaseki: “The Audacity of a Drowning Governor”
Fire outbreak destroys over 20 vehicles at Malaysia Market, Zuba
By Zagazola Makama
Over twenty vehicles have been destroyed following a fire outbreak at Malaysia Market, Zuba, near the main motor spare parts area.
Sources said that the incident occurred on December 17 at about 2300 hours. The market, known for scrap vehicles, was engulfed in flames before police patrol teams promptly mobilized to the scene.
Through the combined efforts of security forces and community members, the fire was successfully contained, preventing further escalation. No injuries or loss of life were reported.
The cause of the fire and the estimated value of the destroyed vehicles are yet to be determined as security sources said Investigations are ongoing.
Fire outbreak destroys over 20 vehicles at Malaysia Market, Zuba
Remains of missing Benue police inspector recovered in Guma LGA
By Zagazola Makama
The suspected remains of a missing police inspector have been recovered in Guma Local Government Area, Benue State, the State Police Command has confirmed.
According to sources, the incident relates to Inspector Mohammed Yakubu of the 13 PMF attached to OPS Zenda JTF, who went missing on June 13, 2025, at Tse Keleke, approximately 10km from Daudu.
On December 18 at about 0930 hours, intelligence indicated that a decayed corpse, believed to be the missing inspector, was sighted in the bush near the original scene of the disappearance.
A joint team comprising ACPOL Metro MKD, DPO Daudu, police medical personnel, State Intelligence Service (SIS) operatives, 13 PMF personnel, OPS Zenda JTF personnel, Counter-Terrorism Unit (CTU), and BNS Civil Protection Guards was mobilized to the scene. The skeletonized remains were recovered and conveyed to the 13 PMF base.
Authorities confirmed that the remains will be released to the family for a befitting burial following necessary consultations.
The Benue State Police Command described the recovery as a closure for the long-standing missing-in-action case.
Remains of missing Benue police inspector recovered in Guma LGA
Adamawa trains, equips 10 youths in tailoring, fashion design
Adamawa government has graduated 10 beneficiaries in tailoring and fashion design skills acquisition programme and empowered with starter kits by the Ministry of Entrepreneurship Development.
Speaking at the ceremony in Yola, Mr Hammanjumba Gatugel, Commissioner in the ministry said, the beneficiaries underwent six months of training aimed to be empowered with skills and reduce unemployment in the state.
Gatugel who was represented by the Director Entrepreneurship, Malam Ibrahim Usman said, out of the beneficiaries nine were women while one male.
“This programme aligns with the vision of Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri, to reduce unemployment, empower youth and women, and promote entrepreneurship at the grassroots level.
“Our ministry remains committed to supporting initiatives that equip citizens with practical, market-driven skills capable of transforming lives”, he said.
He commended the trainers and facilitators for their dedication and professionalism in ensuring that the beneficiaries received quality training.
Malam Usman Maigari, Director administration urged the beneficiaries to make good use of the skills acquired.
“Utilize the opportunity judiciously, please and please don’t go and sell these swing machines. If you are good you will be patronised by customers wherever you are”, he said.
Abdulmumini Abba, the facilitator thanked and appreciated the Adamawa government for giving the beneficiaries the opportunity to be trained.
He assured that with the training given to beneficiaries they were confident that it would impact positively in their life.
Viana John who spoke on behalf of the beneficiaries lauded for the gesture and promised to put the skills into practice.
The beneficiary each received a swing machine, wrappers among others as startup kits.
Adamawa trains, equips 10 youths in tailoring, fashion design
Fire outbreak destroys over 20 vehicles at Malaysia Market, Zuba
Remains of missing Benue police inspector recovered in Guma LGA
Adamawa trains, equips 10 youths in tailoring, fashion design
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