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  • Keyamo orders probe of Air Peace/Oshiomhole face-off

    Keyamo orders probe of Air Peace/Oshiomhole face-off

    • Release footage of incident, AON challenges FAAN

    Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has directed aviation agencies to investigate the incident involving Senator Adams Oshiomhole and officials of Air Peace Airline at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

    A row broke out on Wednesday at the domestic wing of the Airport Terminal 1 in Lagos between Sen. Oshiomhole and Air Peace Airline officials  who alleged that the Senator arrived after the boarding process had ended, and the plane departed.

    Senator Oshiomhole on the other hand  alleged that he and other passengers were victims of sharp practices by the airline staff members who redirected their tickets to other passengers at higher rates.

    He denied barricading the terminal, disrupting flight operations or being unruly as alleged by the airline.

    Oshiomhole said he only decided to fight for Nigerians who were being ‘extorted’ by the airline under the pretext of coming late.

    Reacting to the development yesterday via a post on his official X handle @fkeyamo, the Keyamo directed aviation agencies to thoroughly probe the issues and revert to his office.

    He noted that the investigation would enable the sector to deal with the issue in such a way as to guide future conducts in similar situations.

    The minister, however, did not give a timeline for the conclusion of the investigation

    The post reads: “In the wake of the incident at the Lagos Airport last Wednesday involving AIRPEACE Airline and His Excellency, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, I have been in direct contact with both parties since that morning.

    “I also directed the aviation agencies to exercise restraint in jumping to conclusions in line with the time-honoured legal principle of ‘hear all sides’ before reaching judgment.

    “Whilst appealing to both sides to halt the public accusations and counter-accusations, I am further directing the relevant aviation agencies to thoroughly look into the issue, collect all available evidence and revert to my office so we can deal with the issue in such a way as to guide future conducts in similar situations.”

    Read Also: Tinubu rescued Nigeria’s economy from collapse, restored financial solvency – Soludo

    Meanwhile the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), has challenged  the Aviation Security Personnel attached to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), to release the video footage of the incident.  The spokesperson  of the umbrella body of indigenous carriers, Professor Obiora Okonkwo  stated this yesterday while responding to questions on the action proposed by the body on the recent fracas between the former Edo State governor and Air Peace staff on the circumstances leading to the drama at the airport.

    Okonkwo said the details of such video footage would go a long way in establishing the veracity of the claims by the former governor  that he did not disrupt the operations of Air Peace or other carriers on the day of the incident at the airport.

    The AON spokesperson said the refusal / delay by FAAN, which personnel are in charge of security at the airport to produce such evidence, will go a long way in attempting to cover up alleged unauthorised conduct by passengers.

    He said from the investigations so far carried out by AON, it is clear that the affected airline did not set out to deny the prominent politician access into the aircraft, but that the laid down procedures for check – in protocols were not fully complied with.

    Okonkwo called on passengers to assist airlines in meeting up with on – time departure by coming to the airport early , as the intense logistics involved in flight operations requires compliance with the rules of carriage.

    He said though the fracas is being resolved politically, there is need for aviation authorities to mount a serious campaign against unruly passenger behaviour, which has led to destruction of airline equipment and other infractions at the airport.

    Also condemning the incident, the South South Zonal Organizing Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Blessing Agbomhere, called on the aviation minister to direct the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to urgently investigate the faceoff in order to save Nigeria’s local air services from being turned into a bastion of inefficiency and corruption.

    He also called on the NCAA to wake up from its long slumber, saying the world has gone beyond Nigeria’s poorly regulated airline industry which gives local operators the leeway to delay, cancel and round trip tickets purchased by unsuspecting customers, thereby denying them the opportunity to travel on schedule, without any sort of sanction on erring

    Airlines by the regulator.

    Agbomhere made the call in a statement released in Abuja, in reaction to the incident.

  • FG orders probe into AirPeace, Oshiomhole dispute

    FG orders probe into AirPeace, Oshiomhole dispute

    The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has directed aviation agencies to investigate the incident at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

    A row broke out on Wednesday at the domestic wing of the Airport Terminal 1 in Lagos between Senator Adams Oshiomhole and the officials of Air Peace Airline over preventing the senator from boarding a 6:30am flight.

    The airline said the Senator arrived after the boarding process had ended, and the plane departed.

    Senator Oshiomhole alleged that he and other passengers were victims of sharp practices by the airline staff members who redirected their tickets to other passengers at higher rates.

    He denied barricading the terminal, disrupting flight operations or being unruly as alleged by the airline.

    Oshiomhole said he only decided to fight for Nigerians who were being ‘extorted’ by the airline under the pretext of coming late.

    Reacting to the development on Friday via a post on his official X handle @fkeyamo, the Minister directed aviation agencies to thoroughly probe the issues and revert to his office.

    He noted that the investigation would enable the sector to deal with the issue in such a way as to guide future conducts in similar situations. 

    The Minister however did not give a timeline for the conclusion of the investigation.

    Read Also: Probe Oshiomhole, Air Peace face-off, Agbomhere urges Keyamo

    The post reads: “In the wake of the incident at the Lagos Airport last Wednesday involving AIRPEACE Airline and His Excellency, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, I have been in direct contact with both parties since that morning.

    “I also directed the aviation agencies to exercise restraint in jumping to conclusions in line with the time-honoured legal principle of ‘hear all sides’ before reaching judgment. 

    “Whilst appealing to both sides to halt the public accusations and counter-accusations, I am further directing the relevant aviation agencies to thoroughly look into the issue, collect all available evidence and revert to my office so we can deal with the issue in such a way as to guide future conducts in similar situations.”

  • Probe Oshiomhole, Air Peace face-off, Agbomhere urges Keyamo

    Probe Oshiomhole, Air Peace face-off, Agbomhere urges Keyamo

    The South South Zonal Organising Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Blessing Agbomhere, has called called on the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, to direct the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to  investigate the faceoff between  Senator Adams Oshiomhole and the management of Air Peace Airline in order to save Nigeria’s local air services from being turned into a bastion of inefficiency and corruption.

    He also called on the NCAA to wake up from its long slumber, saying the world has gone beyond Nigeria’s poorly regulated Airline industry which gives local operators the leeway to delay, cancel and roundtrip tickets purchased by unsuspecting customers, thereby denying them the opportunity to travel on schedule, without any sort of sanction on erring

    Airlines by the regulator.

    Agbomhere made the call in a statement in Abuja, in reaction to the shoddy treatment meted out on Edo North Senator, Adams Oshiomhole, by the management of Air Peace airline who denied the Senator the opportunity of flying back to Abuja from Terminal 1 (Zulu Hall) of the Murtala Mohammed Airport in Lagos despite checking in online and arriving at least 25  minutes before the departure of his 6:30 am flight on Wednesday.

    Agbomhere described the attitude of Air Peace as unjust, insensitive and a violation of the laws and regulations guiding operations in the aviation industry, adding that it is a continuation of the Airline’s lawless and chaotic operations which should no longer be tolerated by Nigerians.

    “I am compelled to address the distressing incident involving Senator Adams Oshiomhole and Air Peace Airline, seeing that the airline is tending to be above the law and notorious for “eye service” humanitarian services carried out by its Chairman, Allen Onyema all in a bid to perpetually cover up their atrocious poor treatment of Nigerians.

    “There are several reports by Nigerians against the airline but these complaints keep being swept under the carpet and thereby emboldening the airline to continue acting as if there is no regulator in the sector in Nigeria.

    Read Also: Oshiomhole vs Air Peace

    “This has to stop and if it takes the poor treatment of Senator Oshiomhole to stop the nefarious activities of Air Peace, then I’m sure that even the former Governor of Edo state is willing to make that sacrifice.

    “It is also disheartening to note that the airline was bold enough to release a statement with deliberate falsehood stating that the Senator arrived the airport 20 minutes late, an obvious lie that should have been spotted by its Chairman who has in recent times taken up the role of an activist and freedom fighter akin to Martins Vincent Otse popularly known as VeryDarkMan, but who cannot spot the wicked and inhuman treatment perpetuated right under his nose by his Airline.

    “While calling for a total overhaul of NCAA, I am also issuing a one week ultimatum from the day of the release of this statement to the management of Air Peace to take action by carrying out an immediate investigation into the matter and sanctioning all its staff involved in the incident.

    “The Airline should also tender an unreserved apology to Senator Oshiomhole for the distress and embarrassment caused him and ensure that it improves its customer care service for the interest of the flying masses,” he said.

  • Oshiomhole, Air Peace clash over missed flight

    Oshiomhole, Air Peace clash over missed flight

    A row broke out at the domestic wing of the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal 1 in Lagos yesterday between Senator Adams Oshiomhole and officials of Air Peace over the prevention of the senator from boarding a 6:30am flight.

    The airline said the Senator arrived after the boarding process had ended, and the plane departed.

    But, Senator Oshiomhole (Edo North) alleged that he and other passengers were victims of sharp practices by the airline staff members who redirected their tickets to other passengers at higher rates.

    He denied barricading the terminal, disrupting flight operations or being unruly as alleged by the airline.

    Oshiomhole said he only decided to fight for Nigerians who were being ‘extorted’ by the airline under the pretext of coming late.

    According to him, after claiming that he and other passengers were late for boarding, the airline staff were smuggling other passengers into the aircraft after making others who refused to pay more believe that boarding time had elapsed.

    He said that for a flight ticket of N149,600, those categorised as late were being surcharged an additional N109,900 to be moved to the next flight scheduled for 8.30 am.

    According to him, he refused to be ‘sorted’ by an Air Peace official who came to meet him at the counter, asking him to board through the backdoor as a Senator.

    Oshiomhole told reporters: “I got to the airport. I had my check-in. They denied me.

    “Then, when somebody went inside and said: ‘Ah it’s Oshiomhole.’ The senior manager came out and said: ‘Oga, let’s see how I can sort you out’.

    “I said: ‘I don’t want personal favours. I want my rights and the rights of these Nigerians to be enforced because this is the problem of Nigeria.

    “‘So if I was not a senator, if I was not a former governor, if I was not a former NLC President, nobody knows me but I have a valid ticket, I am here, the flight is on ground, I came within time, why wouldn’t you check me in?

    “‘I don’t want personalised solutions. I want a general system solution. So don’t do me any favour. Don’t extend any courtesy to me.’ Even in the video that is in circulation, you will hear when I said, don’t do me a favour.

    Read Also: Oshiomhole introduced me to politics, says Desmond Elliot

    “To shut me up by finding a solution for me, and then I’d abandon these people, I told them no.

    “In fact, when the DSS came, I said I didn’t want a personal solution, I didn’t want a favour. I want the rights of Nigerians to be enforced, including mine.

    “God has given me this privilege, but it’s not the reason I will find a solution for myself and abandon others. So I said. ‘Okay, you know what? You cannot sell more tickets.’ The day I cannot speak the truth, I don’t deserve to mention my father’s name.

    “You can’t be selecting people who are willing to pay this extortion, and then you leave other people who have no money to pay. So, is it either you take everybody or you don’t?

    “I did that because the reason Nigerians are taken for granted is because, somehow, we don’t want trouble, and somehow bigger trouble will consume you.

    “My philosophy is this: if you avoid a small fight, you will walk your way to war. So, I’d rather fight a small battle than have the country consumed by war.

    “So I asked: ‘How can you close boarding for a 6:30 flight at 6:05? What is the purpose of online check-in, then?’

    “’If I had to go through another check-in process, then what’s the point of checking in online?’

    “While speaking to them, I saw many men and women who had been there even before me, with similar experiences. Basically, they were selling tickets on the spot at higher prices. I’ll give you an example.

    “A lady bought her ticket for N146,000 online. She arrived at the airport at 5:55 a.m. for the 6:30 a.m. flight, after the gatemen had delayed her.

    “They told her she was late and that the counter had closed for check-in. She said that was impossible, as it wasn’t even 6:00 a.m.

    “They told her she would be put on the next flight. She protested, saying: ‘Why? Put me on this flight.’ But they told her the flight was full and she would have to wait.

    “Meanwhile, the airline official was selling tickets on the spot for N250,000. To take advantage of the situation, they discouraged those who had bought tickets online at lower rates and sold them to people willing to pay more.

    “I was told the counter had closed. But people were still being allowed to buy new tickets at higher prices.

    “Those of us who had booked online for N146,000 were told we were late, while they sold new tickets for N250,000. That is not policy enforcement, it is extortion.”

    He denied causing a disruption, saying he remained calm but firm, and only intervened when a crowd of stranded passengers, including women with babies, began to protest.

    He said: “I didn’t disrupt anything. I refused to let them ‘sort me out’ while others were left stranded.

    “They offered to help me once they recognised me. I said, don’t help me, enforce my rights like every other Nigerian.

    “That’s the real problem. Big men get sorted, and the rest of Nigerians are ignored. If speaking out makes me a troublemaker, then I’ll cause trouble forever.

    Air Peace: prominent politician came late

    But the airline gave a different account of what transpired between its officials and a “prominent politician”. It did not give the name of the person in the statement.

    The airline in a statement entitled: “Unruly conduct of a prominent Nigerian politician who disrupted airport operations in the morning of Wednesday, June 11, 2025”, said the “prominent individual” arrived at the airport terminal 1 (Zulu Hall) at approximately 06:10 AM for Flight P47120 scheduled to depart Lagos for Abuja at 06:30 AM.

    The statement reads: “In line with our standard on-time departure policy, the boarding process had closed, and the flight departed as scheduled.

    “Upon being informed of the missed flight, the politician resorted to violence, physically assaulting our staff and forcefully barricading the terminal’s entrance.

    “He went as far as sealing the entry gate and manning the access point, effectively obstructing other passengers from gaining entry into the terminal.

    “This unacceptable behaviour caused significant disruption to ongoing operations and affected numerous travellers scheduled on various flights.”

    To minimise further inconvenience, Air Peace said it activated an operational contingency plan to board affected passengers through an alternate terminal, ensuring the continuity of their travel plans.

    It added: “We are deeply saddened that such a high-profile figure displayed conduct so unbecoming and disruptive to fellow passengers and our personnel.

    “Air Peace maintains a zero-tolerance stance on violence or any form of aggression against our staff and passengers.

    “We urge all guests to remain civil and cooperative at all times. Aviation operations are bound by strict timelines and safety protocols, and we remain committed to upholding these standards while delivering safe and timely services to the Nigerian public.

    “Air Peace continues to stand for discipline, integrity, and respect for due process. No individual, no matter how influential, is above these values.”

    NCAA: how to prevent recurrence

    Director of Public Affairs & Consumer Protection at Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Michael Achimugu, in a post via his X handle @mikeachimugu01, hours after the incident, urged passengers to be abreast of flight requirements.

    He stated: “When you purchase an air ticket, it is a contract between you and the airline. You should know that terms and conditions apply, and try to browse through if you can’t read everything.

    “It is a service that you owe yourself. Aviation is not ‘molue’. It is not run on vibes. An alarming number of cases are issues where simply reading up would have helped to avoid certain unsavoury situations.”

  • JUST IN: I did not disrupt Air Peace flight operations – Oshiomhole

    JUST IN: I did not disrupt Air Peace flight operations – Oshiomhole

    Senator Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North) has opened up on what transpired at the boarding gate of Air Peace in Lagos when he arrived to take his flight in the morning.

    Oshiomhole said that he did not disrupt Air Peace flight operations as alleged by the airline in a statement but decided to fight for Nigerians who were allegedly being ‘extorted’ by the airline through sudden change in time for closing the check-in counter.

    According to him, after deliberately categorising himself and other passengers as late for boarding, the airline staff were allegedly collecting higher amount of money from some passengers who they smuggle into the aircraft after making everyone believe that boarding time had elapsed.

    Read Also: Oshiomhole challenges Abati to street fight

    He said for a flight ticket of N149,600 those categorised as late were being surcharged an additional  sum of N109,900 to be moved to the next flight scheduled for 8.30am, he said this was unacceptable.

    He said he refused to be ‘sorted’ by an Air Peace manager who came to meet him at the counter and allowed to board through the backdoor just because he is a Senator.

    Details Shortly…

  • Oshiomhole introduced me to politics, says Desmond Elliot

    Oshiomhole introduced me to politics, says Desmond Elliot

    Actor and politician Desmond Elliot has credited former Edo Governor Adams Oshiomhole for introducing him to politics.

    According to Desmond, Oshiomhole took him to meet President Bola Tinubu, where he expressed interest in politics.

    He said in an interview with Chude Jideonwo: “One day, Oshiomhole took me to Asiwaju and said,” This is my son, and he is interested in politics. Asiwaju saw me, said he knows me and he just liked me, still surprised.”

    Desmond also shared his experience contesting against fellow actor Olumide Oworu in the 2023 elections.

    According to him, he wasn’t upset with Olumide but felt hurt by veteran colleagues who endorsed his opponent.

    Read Also: Desmond Elliot opens up on terrifying attack during #EndSARS protests

    He said: “I wasn’t upset with him, I was hurt by the veterans who endorsed him.”

    Desmond also recounted a harrowing experience during the 2020 #EndSARS protests, where he narrowly escaped an attack by unknown assailants.

    The protests aimed to disband the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) due to allegations of extrajudicial killings and extortion.

    As a lawmaker in the Lagos House of Assembly, Desmond faced backlash after referring to Nigerian youths as “children” during a plenary session, which sparked controversy during the #EndSARS protests.

  • Oshiomhole challenges Abati to street fight

    Oshiomhole challenges Abati to street fight

    Senator Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North) has invited former presidential spokesperson and co-host of Arise Television’s breakfast show, Reuben Abati, to settle their differences with a physical confrontation.

    Oshiomhole’s reaction comes in response to what he described as “mischievous” comments by Abati during a recent broadcast.

    During an appearance on Politics Today, a programme on Channels Television on Tuesday, the former Edo Governor criticized Abati for his line of questioning directed at Ifeanyi Okowa, the immediate past governor of Delta State.

    He said: “I was particularly shocked that a senior editor could ask the immediate past governor of Delta state, Okowa, mischievously, I must say, with all due respect, ‘did you get permission from Oshiomhole that your sins will now be forgiven before you decided to decamp to APC?’”

    Read Also: Oshiomhole lauds Tinubu’s achievements, says worst over

    He questioned why Abati would suggest he had any influence over Okowa’s political decisions, stressing that his role as a legislator does not give him prosecutorial powers.

    “How can you ask that? What is my status? I am in the legislature. Is the legislature responsible for the prosecution of anyone wrong in any way?” he asked.

    Oshiomhole went on to reference Abati’s past encounter with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), noting his arrest after his tenure as spokesperson for former President Goodluck Jonathan.

    “The man who made that statement was at a time invited by the EFCC after he was Jonathan’s spokesman, shamelessly. Thereafter, EFCC arrested him. Was I the one who granted him bail to leave PDP to go where he is?” he added.

    He also expressed displeasure at what he perceived as a deliberate attempt by Abati to downplay his role in labour activism, especially during the recent Labour Day discussions.

    “Even on Labour Day, he was saying some labour leaders who had been involved in picketing and fought for workers; he could not even credit me with the fact that I led the protest. This is a guy who wrote ‘Oshiomhole the people’s president’ when I was president of the NLC,” Oshiomhole said.

    He concluded with a direct message to Abati, suggesting they resolve their issues face-to-face.

    “Rather than crediting me with that, he said when they leave NLC, they now go and become governors,” Oshiomhole said.

    “If you are angry because you wanted to be a Deputy Governor and you lost an election in Ogun state, is that the reason you are paranoid, using every opportunity to abuse me? If you want to abuse me, don’t hide behind the TV; let’s meet in the street and fight it out.”

  • Oshiomhole lauds Tinubu’s achievements, says worst over

    Oshiomhole lauds Tinubu’s achievements, says worst over

    Former All Progressives Congress(APC) National Chairman Adams Oshiomhole has praised President Bola Ahmed  Tinubu’s achievements in less than two years in office.

    Oshiomhole said with the visible gains of  Tinubu’s reforms, especially on the economic front, the worst was over for the nation and its citizenry. 

    He spoke on a national television programme yesterday.

    Oshiomhole, a former Edo State governor and Senator representing Edo North, also made reference to what he called improved security in some parts of the country as a testament to the President’s positive leadership.

    He cited the abolition of a flawed foreign exchange regime that enriched a few through arbitrage to buttress his belief that the ‘’worst was over. ‘’

    “An exchange regime where $20 million was allocated at N350 to the dollar, only for it to be resold at a higher rate, was eliminated,” Oshiomhole said.

    “The president gets the same exchange rate as every Nigerian. That took courage.”   

    Acknowledging the economic challenges facing Nigerians, especially rising costs of goods and services, the Senator said he was not an apostle of trickle-down economics. 

    He advocated policies that directly address the needs of ordinary Nigerians.

    “I am not a believer in absolute market forces. It’s misleading to think you can leave everything to the market.” 

     The federal lawmaker attributed the challenges faced by Nigerians to the mismanagement of the nation’s resources and the reckless misuse of ways and means by the previous administration.

      “Trillions of naira were printed without economic fundamentals, chasing limited dollars. That explains today’s exchange rate,” he argued.

      Oshiomhole  said he was optimistic that  ‘’we are going to witness improvements in the standard of living.”  

    “The naira, which hit N2,000 to $1, is now between N1,500 and N1,600. Inflation is still high, but it will get better.”  

    Read Also: Edo North APC leaders endorse Oshiomhole for second term

    The Senator,  however, cautioned against expecting a quick fix, given the depth of mismanagement inherited by the Tinubu administration.

    “No one who understands the macroeconomic environment would expect all problems to be fixed in 24 months. 

    “The patient is healing, though it could heal faster,” he said.

    On security, the former chairman of the ruling APC, said the fact that farmers in his constituency can now work unmolested was a plus for the president. 

    He added that “a road project has made life easier for people in his senatorial area.

    Oshiomhole called for a national conversation involving security and non-security stakeholders. “Local chiefs and community leaders have a role to play. Some are implicated in these issues.  

    “The Senate already passed a resolution for a national dialogue on what we can do differently.”

    He lauded the National Security Adviser for fostering better coordination among the Armed Forces.

    Oshiomhole also said he was opposed to the idea of enshrining rotational presidency in the Constitution because it could deepen divisions in the country.

    A recent bill proposing rotational presidency suffered a setback in the House of Representatives, a move Oshiomhole supported.

    His words: “If you write rotation into the Constitution, how do you explain it? Will you rotate between Christians and Muslims? Even traditionalists will demand inclusion.” 

    “Nigerians, by their vote, can resolve this without it being written. The British don’t have a 1,000-page Constitution, yet they have stable governance. Leaders must have a sense of justice and fairness.”

    He noted that President  Tinubu’s rise to power was not dependent on rotational arrangement but on his ability to fight his way through.

  • Owan leaders kick against Oshiomhole’s second-term endorsement

    Owan leaders kick against Oshiomhole’s second-term endorsement

    The socio-economic and cultural organisation of Owan sons and daughters of Edo State, Owan Conscience, has kicked against the purported second-term endorsement of the representative of Edo North Senatorial District, Senator Adams Oshiomhole.

    The displeasure was expressed yesterday in Benin at Owan Conscience’s maiden news conference, which was attended by prominent Owan indigenes from Owan West and Owan East Local Government Areas in Edo North senatorial district.

    Edo North senatorial district consists of Etsako West, Etsako East, Etsako Central, Akoko-Edo, Owan West and Owan East LGAs.

    The news conference was attended by the organisation’s Chairman, Richard Ofen-Imu; Chief Richard Ehimigbai, Mrs. Sabina Idowu-Osehobo, Dr. Victoria Amu, Chief Patrick Agbebaku-Izobo, Princess Yinka Alufohai, Prince Silva Alele, members; and Comrade Mike Igaga, Secretary, among other eminent personalities.

    Ofen-Imu, a lawyer, who read the three-page text of the news conference, noted that the organisation consists of Owan indigenes who are desirous of unifying the various clans of Owan East and West LGAs, accelerating growth and development in the area; as well as projecting and defending the interest of the people in every sector of the economy.

    Owan conscience said: “We read in the media recently that the Edo North Caucus of the All Progressives Congress (APC) had endorsed Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, the senator representing Edo North in the National Assembly, for a second term in the Senate. The purported endorsement was said to have taken place at a meeting of APC leaders in Edo North Senatorial District at the Iyamho home of Comrade Oshiomhole.

    “We wish to make it abundantly clear and without any iota of doubt that the Owan Nation completely dissociates itself from the unjust and insensitive endorsement.

    Read Also: Owan leaders in Edo kick against Oshiomhole’s second-term endorsement

    “Edo North Senatorial District, otherwise known as Afenmai, is made of three sub-ethnic groups; namely, Akoko-Edo, Etsako and Owan. These three groups should, naturally, share the political positions that may be allocated to the area as an entity. Comrade Oshiomhole, like we all know, is of the Etsako sub-ethnic group, a group that has over the years dominated the senatorial slot to the glaring disadvantage of Akoko-Edo and Owan.

    “The following is an analysis of senators of Edo North since the first republic: Chief E. A. Lamai (1960-1966), Etsako; Senator John Umolu – (1979-1983), Etsako; Senator Franca Afegbua (Oct-Dec 1983), Etsako; Senator Albert Legogie (Dec 1992-Nov 1993), Etsako; Senator Victor K. Oyofo (1999-2007), Etsako; Senator Yisa Braimoh (2007-2011), Owan; Senator Domingo Obende (2011-2015), Akoko-Edo; Senator Francis Alimikhena (2015-2023), Etsako; and Senator Adams Oshiomhole (2023-2027), Etsako.

    “The analysis clearly shows that while Etsako would have held the Senate slot for about 31 years by 2027, Owan and Akoko-Edo have held the same position for only four years each.  This is not only unfair and unjust, but an act of wickedness of brother against brother and it lacks equity.”

    The organisation also reiterated that the current Minister from Edo State, Abubakar Momoh, is from Etsako, the same as the immediate Minister, Prince Clem Agba.

    It said: “The immediate ambassador is an Etsako man. The current nominee for the same position of an ambassador is also from Etsako. Just to mention a few positions zoned to Edo State/Edo North and being held by indigenes of Etsako.

    Rotation of elective political offices among component ethnic or sub-ethnic groups is a major feature of democratic governance in the country.

    “The Edo North senatorial slot for 2027 should, expectedly, go to the Owan people who have only occupied the senatorial seat from 2007 to 2011. We thank the revered elders of Edo North, the Rt. Hon. Col. Tunde Akogun (KSC), Senator Yisa Braimoh, Senator Victor Oyofo, and High Chief Raymond Dokpesi (of blessed memory), who vociferously canvassed a rotation of the senatorial seat to Owan, in order of rotation precedent. This was the mood until the current senator forcibly emerged and truncated the momentum.

    “The Owan Conscience is hereby calling on the various political parties, especially the APC, to zone their senatorial slot to Owan, for the sake of equity and fairness.”

    The organisation also declared that Owan APC leaders should not under any guise give support to the “so-called” second-term endorsement of Oshiomhole, a former Edo Governor and ex-National Chairman of the governing party (APC), which it insisted was founded on injustice and selfishness.

  • Owan leaders in Edo kick against Oshiomhole’s second-term endorsement

    Owan leaders in Edo kick against Oshiomhole’s second-term endorsement

    The socio-economic and cultural organisation of Owan sons and daughters of Edo State, Owan Conscience, has kicked against the purported second-term endorsement of the representative of Edo North Senatorial District, Senator Adams Oshiomhole.

    The displeasure was expressed on Friday in Benin at Owan Conscience’s maiden news conference, which was attended by prominent Owan indigenes from Owan West and Owan East Local Government Areas in Edo North senatorial district.

    Edo North senatorial district consists of Etsako West, Etsako East, Etsako Central, Akoko-Edo, Owan West, and Owan East LGAs.

    The news conference was attended by the organisation’s chairman, Richard Ofen-Imu; Chief Richard Ehimigbai, Mrs. Sabina Idowu-Osehobo, Dr. Victoria Amu, Chief Patrick Agbebaku-Izobo, Princess Yinka Alufohai, Prince Silva Alele, members, and Comrade Mike Igaga, Secretary, among other eminent personalities.

    Ofen-Imu, a lawyer, who read the three-page text of the news conference, noted that the organisation consists of Owan indigenes who are desirous of unifying the various clans of Owan East and West LGAs, accelerating growth and development in the area; as well as projecting and defending the interest of the people in every sector of the economy.

    Owan’s conscience said, “We read in the media recently that the Edo North Caucus of the All Progressives Congress (APC) had endorsed Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, the senator representing Edo North in the National Assembly, for a second term in the Senate. The purported endorsement was said to have taken place at a meeting of APC leaders in Edo North Senatorial District at the Iyamho home of Comrade Oshiomhole.

    Read Also: Edo North APC leaders endorse Senator Oshiomhole for second term

    “We wish to make it abundantly clear and without any iota of doubt that the Owan Nation completely dissociates itself from the unjust and insensitive endorsement.

    “Edo North Senatorial District, otherwise known as Afenmai, is made up of three sub-ethnic groups, namely, Akoko-Edo, Etsako, and Owan. These three groups should, naturally, share the political positions that may be allocated to the area as an entity. Comrade Oshiomhole, like we all know, is of the Etsako sub-ethnic group, a group that has, over the years, dominated the senatorial slot to the glaring disadvantage of Akoko-Edo and Owan.

    “The following is an analysis of senators of Edo North since the first republic: Chief E. A. Lamai (1960-1966), Etsako; Senator John Umolu (1979-1983), Etsako; Senator Franca Afegbua (Oct-Dec 1983), Etsako; Senator Albert Legogie (Dec 1992-Nov 1993), Etsako; Senator Victor K. Oyofo (1999-2007), Etsako; Senator Yisa Braimoh (2007-2011), Owan; Senator Domingo Obende (2011-2015), Akoko-Edo; Senator Francis Alimikhena (2015-2023), Etsako; and Senator Adams Oshiomhole (2023-2027), Etsako.

    “The analysis clearly shows that while Etsako would have held the Senate slot for about 31 years by 2027, Owan and Akoko-Edo have held the same position for only four years each.  This is not only unfair and unjust, but an act of wickedness of brother against brother, and it lacks equity.”

    The organisation also reiterated that the current Minister from Edo State, Abubakar Momoh, is from Etsako, the same as the immediate Minister, Prince Clem Agba.

    It said: “The immediate ambassador is an Etsako man. The current nominee for the same position of an ambassador is also from Etsako. Just to mention few positions zoned to Edo State/Edo North and being held by indigenes of Etsako.

    Rotation of elective political offices among component ethnic or sub-ethnic groups is a major feature of democratic governance in the country.

    “The Edo North senatorial slot for 2027 should, expectedly, go to the Owan people who have only occupied the senatorial seat from 2007 to 2011. 

    We thank the revered elders of Edo North, the Rt. Hon. Col. Tunde Akogun (KSC), Senator Yisa Braimoh, Senator Victor Oyofo, and High Chief Raymond Dokpesi (of blessed memory), who vociferously canvassed a rotation of the senatorial seat to Owan, in order of rotation precedent. This was the mood until the current senator forcibly emerged and truncated the momentum.

    “The Owan Conscience is hereby calling on the various political parties, especially the APC, to zone their senatorial slot to Owan, for the sake of equity and fairness.”

    The organisation also declared that Owan APC leaders should not, under any guise, give support to the “so-called” second-term endorsement of Oshiomhole, a former Edo Governor and ex-National Chairman of the governing party (APC), which it insisted was founded on injustice and selfishness.