The Edo Renaissance Group has endorsed Dr. Femi Adekanmbi’s appointment as Managing Director of the Benin Owena River Basin Development Authority (BORBDA).
It dismissed ongoing protests against the appointment as unnecessary and potentially divisive.
In a statement, the group’s Chairman, John Aghaleladia and Secretary, Kingsley Aigbe, declared that Adekanmbi’s appointment was justified and aligned with fairness and equity principles.
They noted that an Edo State indigene, Saliu Osifuemhe Ahmed had already served two consecutive terms totaling eight years, making it appropriate for another state, Ondo, to take the leadership mantle, considering BORBDA , which comprises Edo, Delta, Ondo, and Ekiti states.
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“This is about equity, not exclusion’’.The group urged protesters to reconsider their stance, recognizing that Adekanmbi’s appointment does not undermine Edo State’s interests but upholds a fair system where leadership opportunities are shared among states. Appealing for calm, the group cautioned against allowing protests to be hijacked by politicians with hidden agendas.
They emphasized that the BORBDA headquarters is not bound to remain in Benin.
“Let’s Focus on Development, Not Distractions” .
The group called on stakeholders to rally behind Adekanmbi’s leadership, emphasizing unity, fairness, and justice as guiding principles in governance.
“We must resist dividing ourselves along ethnic lines. Instead, let’s work together for regional and national growth,” the statement added.