Embracing a New Era:
Why Esan Should Dissociate from “Edo no be Lagos” and Embrace “Esan wan be Lagos”
By
Adolphus Arebanmhen Aletor
The 2020 Edo state governorship election was marked by a controversial statement that has had far-reaching consequences for the people of Esan. The derogatory phrase “Edo no be Lagos” was used to mock the then APC leader now president of the federal republic of Nigeria, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which ultimately contributed to the party’s loss in the election. It was a mantra that united the whole of Edo state against what was perceived to be an undue influence by a god father advising Edo citizens to vote against Mr Godwin Obaseki who had defected from the APC to the PDP even as a sitting Governor when he ran for his second term. The message came at a time when the Edos, who detested what they perceive as godfatherism, were at the point where they had gotten themselves free. Unfortunately, this loss has led to infrastructural neglect in Edo state, with Esan bearing the brunt of the federal government’s displeasure.
In the context of this statement, Lagos symbolizes development, federal attention, progress, political stability, continuity in governance, political mentorship, political godfatherism, and respect for political leaders. It represents the prosperity, infrastructure, and prioritization that Edo state and Esan region in particular aspire to achieve. By saying “Edo no be Lagos,” the statement implies that Edo state do not want to be subjected to the political calculations that occur in Lagos, but from hind sight and the prevailing realities, it appears that the Edos especially the Esans took a shot in the leg as the developmental attributes of Lagos have eluded Edo state in the last four years since the inception of the mantra, while there is still an obvious influence and presence of godfatherism.
However, as a new election approaches in September 2024, it is crucial for the people of Esan to dissociate themselves from this harmful statement and embrace a new mantra: “Esan wan be Lagos”. This phrase symbolizes the aspirations and potential of Esan, a region that deserves to be developed and thrive like Lagos especially with most of the roads in the region belonging to the federal government now headed by the once derided APC leader.
By embracing this new mantra, “Esan wan be Lagos”, Esan is declaring its readiness to move forward, leaving past grievances behind. It is an opportunity to forge a new relationship with the federal government and attract the necessary resources to develop the region’s infrastructure, including the long-neglected federal roads.
The people of Esan deserve better than to be held hostage by past political squabbles. They deserve good governance, development, and opportunities that will improve their lives. By embracing “Esan wan be Lagos”, they are sending a strong message that they are ready to partner with the federal government to achieve this vision of a Renewed Hope.
In conclusion, the people of Esan should reject the divisive rhetoric of the past and embrace a new era of cooperation and development. Let “Esan wan be Lagos” become the rallying cry for a brighter future, where Esan takes its rightful place as a thriving and developed region in Nigeria.
