Celebrating the Strength and Integrity of Hon. Donald Ojeme Okogbe
By Saintmoses Eromosele
There are men in every age whose strength lies not only in their words but in the quiet depth of their deeds, in character that’s neither fickle nor capricious. Hon. Donald Ojeme Okogbe, DOO, as I have known him for 20 years, albeit from a close distance, is one such man. As the representative of Akoko-Edo II in the Edo State House of Assembly, formerly an aide to Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu and previously to former Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon. Tunde Lakoju, Donald’s name has come to mean honor, courage, and loyalty—a name that brings with it the promise of steadfast leadership.
I first met Donald about 20 years ago as a young man, full of spirit and a sense of purpose, at Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma. He came to me on a pathway in the boys’ hostel, his eyes bright with ambition, seeking support to run for a Faculty position. I doubt he still remembers this encounter. I recall telling him, “You are made for something greater, especially with what you did with Doc Phil.” I urged him to aim for the SUG Presidency, as he seemed like one of those rare figures whose strength of character demanded more space, more responsibility. And so he rose, with the backing of other leaders like my cerebral and influential friend Wakilu Omokide, and he became an SUG President whose name would be remembered. He excelled in this role, and his record remains unbeaten.
But it was before this time, even in his earliest days on campus, that Donald’s courage was first tested. He and his friends—Rupert, Erikefe, and Emmanuel—became known as “DREE,” a band of bold young men who dared to stand against a corrupt lecturer who had held the Faculty in his grip for years. Many before them had looked away in fear, but not Donald. Together, they brought down that “Goliath,” showing the entire Faculty what justice looked like when pursued without fear or favor. They successfully petitioned against that lecturer and freed the Faculty of a bad egg. That act, I think, set the tone for the kind of leader he would become.
Donald’s integrity is not easily shaken. Recently, it was tested in a way few men could have withstood. When a vote came to impeach his former boss, Hon. Philip Shaibu, the Deputy Governor, Donald stood his ground. He didn’t sign. Even though Shaibu had not supported him during his nomination, even with alleged high inducements to simply add his signature and end Shaibu’s tenure, Donald chose loyalty over ambition, integrity over ease. To show loyalty even when it is not returned—that is a rare virtue indeed, and it tells you all you need to know about the strength of this young man’s character.
This, I must make clear: my admiration for Donald Okogbe has nothing to do with any favor gained. He has never done anything for me personally, nor asked me for this support. We’ve often been on opposite sides politically; even when I joined a party he was supposed to belong to, he was suspended. In fact, he would be surprised to see these words from me. I write not because I seek anything from him, but because men like him deserve to be celebrated. In Edo State, we are fortunate to have a future leader who does not seek vainglory but simply seeks to do what is right for his people and for all people.
As the winds of change sweep through Edo, I cannot think of a better man for higher leadership than Donald Okogbe. His loyalty, courage, and commitment to his people are the foundation we need to build a brighter future. The Edo Assembly would be in good hands with DOO.
Let all men of goodwill stand by this young, cerebral man of character, whose heart is bound by honor, and support his journey forward. Here’s to Hon. Donald Ojeme Okogbe—a true son of the land, a leader plenipotentiary, and a servant of the people.
Saintmoses Eromosele writes from his cassava farm in Ewu.
