Edo 2024 Horse Trading: Esan Traditional Rulers visit Afeimai Traditional Rulers
By: Osarugue Idemudia – Senior Political Correspondent
Sequel to a courtesy visit paid to the primus traditional ruler in Edo State, Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, traditional rulers in Edo Central District loosely referred to as Esanland, paid a courtesy visit on traditional rulers in Edo North District loosely referred to as Afeimai.
The visit, led by the Ojuromi of Uromi, HRH Anselm Eidenoje, was to appeal to the leadership of Edo North District to support the agitation of the Edo Central District towards selecting one of Edo Central son or daughter as the next governor of Edo State after His Excellency, Governor Godwin Obaseki.
Prior to this visit, the Enijie (kings) of Esanland had paid a visit to the Oba of Benin, who commended them for the initiative and told them he would consult with his chiefs and people towards giving a feedback.
Subsequent to the visit to the Oba of the Enijie of Esanland, a Gubernatorial aspirant from Edo North District visited the Oba to give a report of his stewardship of his time as Buhari’s Minister, and also tactically introduced his future political aspiration, but the Oba chided him for not doing enough while he was Minister, reminding him also of his past unpleasant treatment of Edo traders in Benin during his tenure as Commissioner during the administration of Adams Oshiomhole as Governor.
The Edo Central District visit to Oba of Benin, and now the traditional rulers in Edo North is seen many many observers as strategic and could help make the Edo Central agitation for governorship in 2024 alot easier.
According to Truth Live News, Ojuromi of Uromi said that they will continue to meet with critical Stakeholders on behalf of their people.
_“Well, we were in Edo North to consult with our brothers and colleagues traditional rulers to support the cause of having Edo Central producing the next governor, we were well received, but they also told us that they have their own candidate. Their son, Comrade Philip Shaibu.”_ Ojuromi said.
_“You know, politics it’s all about interest and negotiations, but we have a good cause, which is justice, equity and fairness and we believe, at some point, they will see reasons with us and appreciate the need for us to dwell together as a family in the state with equitable sharing of positions, responsibilities and governance. As I said, we will continue to talk to our brothers from other senatorial zones.”_ The Onojie said.
Edo State stands on a tripod with Edo South (Benin people) having had two governors since 1999, Igbinedion (8 years) and Obaseki (8 years by 2024) and Edo North having had one governor with Oshiomhole (8 years). All the period Edo South was Governor, Edo North was Deputy Governor and all the period Edo North was Governor, Edo South was Deputy Governor. Edo Central has not had any legitimate governor since 1999. Professor Osunbor who was elected Governor in 2007 was removed by the court in 2008 after about 18 months on the saddle. Thus the people of Edo Central District feel that they do not have a fair deal in the power equation of Edo State and demand that by 2018 they should produce the next Governor.
In 2020 election, during the reelection of Governor Obaseki and Deputy Governor Shaibu, it was rumored that Obaseki secured the support of the Edo Central District political class to emerge governor after a promise to hand over power to someone from Edo Central. This has not been officially verified and the coming primaries in the political parties in Edo State will reveal whether the power rotation in Edo State is to be established or abrogated forever.
© URHOKPOTA REPORTERS
