By George-Ellen Isaac Akhabue
Prince Raphael Eromosele has been sworn in as the new President of the Ewu Progress Foundation (EPF) for a two-year tenure (February 16, 2025 – February 16, 2027). The oath of office was administered by Dr. Philip Oamen, a law lecturer and researcher at the University of Birmingham, UK, who also serves as the Legal Advisor of EPF.
Eromosele, who previously held the position of Public Relations Officer (PRO) in the immediate past administration, won in EPF’s most keenly contested election, defeating Chef Sylva Ojeme, the outgoing Vice President. Running on a manifesto of Unity and Progress, his victory marks a new chapter for the organization.
In his inaugural speech, the new EPF President emphasized unity and inclusiveness, inviting both his supporters and opponents to work together for the greater good of EPF and the Ewu community. As his first executive action, he dissolved the Sports Committee and appointed Prince Tijani Ojiefoh of Eguare Ewu as Chairman and Mr. Ani Suleiman of Ihenmwen Ewu as Secretary of the new committee.
Despite his initial opposition to Eromosele’s candidacy, outgoing President Mr. Ehizogie Iyeomoan (Feb 16, 2023 – Feb 16, 2025) handed over leadership peacefully. Among those who voted for Eromosele were two former EPF Presidents, Isiwele Osezuwa (Protem President, 2018) and Fidelis Edokpa (2018 – Feb 2023), along with BOT Chairman, Pastor Henry Amenkhena.
Since its founding on December 27, 2017, EPF has played a crucial role in advocating for Ewu’s political and economic interests. A landmark moment came in 2018, when EPF pressured the Edo State Government to either grant Ewu a separate local government or cede the Esan Central Local Government Chairmanship to Ewu after 27 years without an elected chairman from the town. Responding to this pressure, the ruling government under then-Governor Godwin Obaseki ordered his party to allow Ewu to produce the next chairman, leading to the historic election of Dr. Waziri Edokpa as the first elected chairman of Esan Central from Ewu.
Beyond political advocacy, EPF has remained at the forefront of community development, leading initiatives such as:
Managing the Ewu Library and ICT Centre, Organizing sports competitions among Ewu communities, Providing soft loans for traders in Ewu, Donating vehicles and motorcycles to security networks operating in Ewu, and Engaging in various other community-driven projects.
With over 280 active members, EPF remains the most vibrant and influential organization for Ewu indigenes and residents globally, committed to advancing the socio-political and economic well-being of the Ewu people.
