Leaders of Owan East and West Local Government Areas have met to chart a course for unity.
They met at the country home of the former time Deputy governor of Edo State, Rev Peter Obadan, the Cconvener of the meeting.
Obadan explained that the meeting was organised to enable both local governments to work together as a united body.
He recalled with pains how the once united Owan was torn apart for selfish political reasons by people entrusted with its leadership in the past.
Obadan said disunity has been the bane “in the wheel of progress in Owan.”
He said: “We’re here today to fashion out ways to work as one, forge common front as one big brother that we are.
“Both Owan East and West have always been one and worked together until selfish politicians tore us apart. So the purpose of today’s meeting is to start working together again for a better and more prosperous future.”
The apex leader of Owan East, Alhaji Abdulganiyu Lawani, fondly called Abu Millionaire, thanked Obadan for calling the meeting.
He promised to work with other leaders to ensure that both local governments achieve the desired goal.
He said: “I am happy to be here with my people today because I feel this meeting is long overdue and the outcome of this all important gathering will make the Owan People stronger and stronger.”
Lawani added:”The time has come for both local governments to forge a strategic alliance, develop new ideas and work as a team to present a formidable and reliable representative that will work for the Owan leople.”
Read Also;Why Ize-Iyamu will be elected governor, by Obadan
He attributed disunity in Owan to the attitude of some selfish and untrustworthy leaders, saying that such should not be entertained in a united Owan.
Lawani stressed: “But with meetings of this nature, I sincerely believe we are on the right track to better days. We in Owan East are ready for this strategic alliance and we believe this will truly bring out the best for our people in terms of decision taking and purposeful representation.” Other laders thanked Obadan for the initiative and expressed support for the meeting. They also urged the apex leaders from both local governments to ensure that the meeting is held regularly.
Speakers at thecmeeting included former Edo State House of Assembly members, Folly Ogedengbe and Ojo Asein; Frank Ilaboya, Reginald Okun, McDonald Obasuke and Hilary Ozogo, Victor Aigbolosumua and Deacon Anslem Ehimiaghe.
No fewer than 30 leaders from both local governments attended the meeting.
They include the governorship aspirant of APC in the September 21 election, Dr Earnest Afolabi Umaikhihe, Chief Lucky Ohimai, popularly known as TAREX, Minority Leader of Edo State House of Assembly, Eric Okaka, former House of Assembly Member Mike Ohio Ezomo and LGA Chairmen of Owan East and West, Frank David and Isah Abdulahi.
Also there were Justine Aig Evien, Ovbude Isewede, Rev Andy Uadia, Sir Enahoro Aikpokpo, Alhaji Alanu Salami, Foly Okamaye, Eric Imonotie, Daniel Igbarogo.l, Sir Dele Ogunleye, BS Akhigbe JP, Mrs Angelina Aigbokhai and Kassim Alaska.