The Benin people are the proud indigenes of the territorial conglomeration known as Benin Kingdom in Edo State, Nigeria. A unique conclave of peculiar people, our shared culture, identity and history, is respected and celebrated all over the world. The Benin nation occupies the seven Local Government Areas of Egor, Ikpoba-Okha, Oredo, Orhionmwon, Ovia North-East, Ovia South-West and Uhunmwode in Edo South Senatorial District, Edo State. However, her people includes all Edo speaking aborigines wherever they are in the state, in Nigeria and in the Diaspora. These people, whether from Esan, Etsako, Afemai, Isoko, Eka, Akoko-Edo, Urhobo, Ijaw, Yoruba, Agbor, Umunede, or Igbanke, boast of a conservative informal population of over ten million people, who are known for their craftsmanship, who produce high-quality goods, including textiles, bronze and metalwork just as it was a key player in the trans-Saharan and coastal trade networks in the 15th century.
Contrary to its historic status as one of Africa’s oldest and most distinguished civilizations, Edo state, the current host of the Benin nation is in a condition of decrepitude owing to the dictatorial tendencies, incompetence and unprovoked atrocities precipitated by Governor Godwin Obaseki which is at variance with the dictates of good governance. Good governance relies on a strong partnership between the government and the people. While the government must act empathetically and effectively, her citizens must engage actively, provide feedback, and hold officials accountable.
By upholding the principles of good governance, both parties can work together to build a more stable, just, prosperous, and resilient society while improving the quality of life of the people.
Unfortunately, the current Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, who happens to be a son of the Benin Nation, and who ought to be a blessing has become a burden, if not a curse to his own people. It will interest you to know that Godwin Obaseki has taken Edo from a state of developmental stability and growth, to one of retrogression, bitterness and general maladministration. He has been at war with himself and all others; turning governance on its head. Governance and power which ought to be tools for societal cohesion and integration, cultural elevation, and the upliftment of the people, have been excessively deployed by the Edo state governor as a divisive weapon of acrimony, lawlessness and flagrant abuse of the rule of law and separation of powers.
Ladies and gentlemen of the press, we crave your indulgence to highlight the litany of Governor Godwin Obaseki’s ungodly acts against his own people, the Benins between 2016 and 2024.
#BeninNation
#UmagbaeN’Edo
#ProudlyBenin
#BeninKingdom
#EndAfflictions
