Esan People of Edo Demands New Partnership Deal

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City

A new pan socio-political organisation of Esan extraction of Edo State, with the name, Esan Okpa Initiative (EOI), has restated its strong demand for a “new deal” that will guarantee justice, fairness and equity to persons from the area both in Edo State and within the country.

The group, which commended the very resourceful and enterprising nature of Esan people, insisted they could not “play second fiddle to anyone or allow others to make mincemeat of the very rich pedigree in Edo, nay Nigeria polity.”

In a Christmas goodwill message titled, “Esan Okpa Initiative: Let’s Keep Hope Alive,”, and was signed by the President of EOI, Mr. Matthew Egbadon, and its Public Relations Officer, Mr. Tony Iyare, the group solicited the partnership of Esan people in tackling germane issues that currently afflict them.

The issues they listed included the prevailing insecurity, which has threatened the largely agrarian occupation of Esan people massed in Edo Central Senatorial Zone, leading to imminent famine, lack of industrialisation, threat of extinction facing Esan language and culture, and unfair treatment meted to persons of Esan extraction in major public service appointments both in Edo State and at the federal level.

The group reeled out names of renowned persons of Esan extraction like the late frontline elder statesman, Chief Anthony Eromonsele Enahoro; former Bendel State Governor, Professor Ambrose Folorunso Alli (late); former Health Minister, Dr. Christopher Okojie and prominent politician, Chief Tony Anenih (late), and argued that the exemplary performance of these prominent personages is an indication that persons of Esan extraction have always acquitted themselves in leadership roles.

Also extending its warm hands of fellowship to its other brothers and sisters in the two other political zones in Edo State for their current political and economic exploits, the organisation reminded them that “Edo State was designed to be on a tripod by God himself, and we therefore appeal for their understanding in foisting a harmonious Edo State that is run on the basis of fairness, equity and justice for all.”