Edo State, situated in Nigeria's southern region, has had various leaders since Nigeria gained independence in 1960, both military and civilian. After independence, Nigeria had only three regions, and the area of the future Edo State was located in the Western Region. The Mid-Western Region was separated from the Western Region in August 1963 and had Dennis Osadebay as its initial Premier. Osadebay served until January 1966, when he was replaced by David Akpode Ejoor, the first military governor. Control of the region was contested during the Biafran War (1967–1970), and Ejoor was replaced by Samuel Ogbemudia. Ogbemudia governed the Mid-Western State from September 1967 to July 1975. The region was renamed and reorganized as the Bendel State on 17 March 1976, its name a combination of the old Benin and Delta provinces. Notable governors during this time period include George Agbazika Innih, Husaini Abdullahi, and Ambrose Folorunsho Alli. Ogbemudia also returned for a three-month stint as a civilian governor in 1983 before the military reasserted control.
| Governor of Edo State | |
|---|---|
 Seal of Edo State of Nigeria | |
 Flag of Edo State of Nigeria | |
 | |
| Government of Edo State | |
| Style |
|
| Type | Head of state Head of government |
| Member of | Edo State Executive Branch National Economic Council |
| Reports to | President of Nigeria |
| Residence | Government House, Benin City[1] |
| Seat | Benin City |
| Appointer | Popular vote |
| Term length | Four years, renewable once consecutively |
| Constituting instrument | Constitution of Nigeria |
| Inaugural holder | John E.K Odigie-Oyegun |
| Formation | 27 August 1991 |
| Deputy | Deputy Governor of Edo State |
The modern Edo state was established on 27 August 1991, following the division of Bendel State into Edo State and Delta State. John Odigie-Oyegun became the first civilian governor of Edo State from January 1992 to November 1993, followed by military governors. In the democratic era, Lucky Igbinedion served from 1999 to 2007, and was succeeded by Oserheimen Osunbor. Adams Oshiomhole served from 2008 to 2016, followed by Godwin Obaseki, who was re-elected in 2020.
List of governors
editWestern Region
editThe Western Region was governed by a ceremonial governor and a Premier. Adesoji Aderemi served as the Governor of the Western Region, while Samuel Ladoke Akintola held the position of Premier.[2] The Premier was responsible for the executive functions, while the governor's role was largely ceremonial, representing the British monarchy until Nigeria became a republic in 1963.[3]
In 1962, a political crisis occurred when Governor Aderemi dismissed Akintola following allegations of corruption and maladministration. This led to a state of emergency in the region.[2][4] During the emergency, Moses Adekoyejo Majekodunmi was appointed as the temporary administrator, displacing the region's political leadership.[3] After six months, Akintola was reinstated as Premier following a court ruling overturning his dismissal.[2] The political instability during this period contributed to the regional tensions that persisted even after the Western Region was split and the Mid-Western Region was created in 1963.[4][5]
Mid-Western Region
editThe Mid-Western Region of Nigeria was created on 9 August 1963.[6][7] The region was carved out of the Western Region, becoming Nigeria's fourth region. The Mid-Western Region initially had a premier, but later military governors would also serve as the chief officials.[7]
Dennis Osadebay served as the region's first civilian leader, and was premier from August 1963 to January 1966.[8] Political turmoil led to military administrations, starting with David Akpode Ejoor in January 1966.[9] The region was taken by the Biafran Armed Forces during the Nigerian Civil War, with Albert Okonkwo administering the area from August to September 1967 on behalf of Biafra.[10]
Samuel Ogbemudia served as military governor from September 1967 to July 1975.[11]
| No. | Name | Title | Term in office | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 
|
Dennis Osadebay (1911–1994) [12] |
Premier | August 1963 – January 1966 |
First and only Premier of the Mid-Western Region |
| 2 | 
|
David Ejoor (1932–2019) [9] |
Military Governor | January 1966[a] – August 1967 |
First military governor following the 1966 Nigerian coup d'état |
| 3 | — | Albert Okonkwo | Administrator | August 1967 – September 1967 |
Administered the region under Biafran control during the Nigerian Civil War |
| 4 | 
|
Samuel Ogbemudia (1932–2017) [14] |
Military Governor | September 1967[b] – July 1975 |
Known for post-war reconstruction and development projects[15] |
Bendel State
editFollowing administrative changes in Nigeria, the Mid-Western Region was renamed Bendel State on 17 March 1976.[16] This renaming was part of a broader national effort to reorganise Nigeria's states and local governments, under the regime of General Murtala Mohammed.[17]
George Agbazika Innih was the first military governor of Bendel State.[18] He was followed by Husaini Abdullahi, who governed from March 1976 to July 1978. Abubakar Waziri served as the military administrator from 24 July 1978 to 30 September 1979. Ambrose Folorunsho Alli was elected as the first executive civilian governor in October 1979 under the Unity Party of Nigeria and served until September 1983. Samuel Ogbemudia was elected as a civilian governor under the National Party of Nigeria, and briefly served from October to December 1983. His brief tenure was due to the 1983 military coup to oust Alhaji Shehu Shagari and install Muhammadu Buhari as military head of state.[19]
Jeremiah Timbut Useni took office in January 1984 and led till 27 August 1985, followed by John Mark Inienger from September 1985 to July 1988. Jonathan Tunde Ogbeha governed from July 1988 to August 1990, and John Ewerekumoh Yeri served from August 1990 to August 1992. The state was divided into Edo and Delta States on 27 August 1991 with Yeri serving as the first military governor of the newly formed Edo State.[19]
| No. | Name | Title | Term in office | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | .jpg)
|
George Agbazika Innih (1938–2002) [20] |
Military Governor | August 1975 – March 1976 |
Oversaw the transition period following Ogbemudia's administration. |
| 2 | _2014-03-08_13-33.jpg)
|
Husaini Abdullahi (1939–2019) [21] |
Military Governor | March 1976[c] – July 1978 |
Continued military governance during the era of General Olusegun Obasanjo's military regime. |
| 3 | 
|
Abubakar Waziri (b. 1940) [22] |
Military Governor | 24 July 1978 – 30 September 1979 |
Also served as a brigade commander for Nigeria Army Benin City.[19] |
| 4 | 
|
Ambrose Folorunsho Alli (1929–1989) [23] |
Executive Governor | October 1979 – September 1983 |
Elected as the first civilian governor of Bendel under the umbrella of the Unity Party of Nigeria.[19] |
| 5 |
|
Samuel Ogbemudia (1922–2017) [14] |
Executive Governor | October 1983 – 31 December 1983 |
Brief return to civilian rule, under the umbrella of the National Party of Nigeria, before the 1983 military coup.[19] |
| 6 | — | Jeremiah Useni (b. 1943) [24] |
Military Governor | January 1984 – 27 August 1985 |
|
| 7 | .jpg)
|
John Mark Inienger (1945–2002) [25][26] |
Military Governor | September 1985 – July 1988 |
|
| 8 | — | Jonathan Tunde Ogbeha (b. 1945) [25] |
Military Governor | July 1988 – August 1990 |
|
| 9 | — | John Ewerekumoh Yeri | Military Governor | August 1990 – 27 August 1991 [d] |
Last military governor before the creation of Edo and Delta States.[27] |
Edo State
editEdo State was established on 27 August 1991, following the division of Bendel State into Edo and Delta States.[28] Edo State, with Benin City as its capital, has a cultural heritage and economic potential.[29] The state has experienced various governance phases, including military and civilian administrations.
John Ewerekumoh Yeri served as the first military governor from August 1991 to January 1992. He was succeeded by John Odigie Oyegun, the first civilian governor, who served from January 1992 until November 1993. Subsequent military administrations included Mohammed Abul-Salam Onuka, Bassey Asuquo, Baba Adamu Iyam, and Anthony Onyearugbulem, who governed until the return to civilian rule in 1999.[25]
A new office was created for the 1999 elections, that of Deputy Governor of Edo State. Deputies were elected on a joint ticket with the gubernatorial candidate, and thus share the same party by default. In 1999, Lucky Igbinedion was elected governor. He served two terms, until 2007. He was followed by Oserheimen Osunbor, Adams Oshiomhole, and Godwin Obaseki.[25] In 2024, Monday Okpebholo was elected governor.[30]
| No. | Governor | Term in office | Party | Election | D. Governor | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | — | John Ewerekumoh Yeri | 27 August 1991 – January 1992 |
Military | N/A | Office did not exist | ||
| 2 | — | John Odigie Oyegun (b. 1939) [31][32] |
January 1992[33] – November 1993 |
SDP [33] |
1991 | |||
| 3 | — | Mohammed Abul-Salam Onuka | 9 December 1993 – 14 September 1994 [32] |
Military | N/A | |||
| 4 | — | Bassey Asuquo | 14 September 1994 – 22 August 1996 [32] |
Military | N/A | |||
| 5 | — | Baba Adamu Iyam (b. 1948) [32] |
22 August 1996 – 7 August 1998 [e][32] |
Military | N/A | |||
| 6 | — | Anthony Onyearugbulem (1955–2002) [32][34] |
7 August 1998 – 29 May 1999 [32] |
Military | N/A | |||
| 7 | — | Lucky Igbinedion (b. 1957) [32] |
29 May 1999 – 29 May 2007 |
PDP [32] |
1999 2003 |
Mike Oghiadomhe | ||
| 8 | 
|
Oserheimen Osunbor (b. 1951) [35][32] |
29 May 2007 – 11 November 2008 (election declared invalid by Election Tribunal in March 2008)[32] |
PDP [32] |
2007 | Lucky Imasuen | ||
| 9 | 
|
Adams Oshiomhole (b. 1952) [32] |
12 November 2008 – 12 November 2016 (declared winner of the 2007 election on 11 November 2008)[32] |
ACN[32] | 2007 2012 |
Pius Odubu | ||
| APC | ||||||||
| 10 | 
|
Godwin Obaseki (b. 1957) [36] |
12 November 2016 – 12 November 2024 |
APC[32] (2016–2020) |
2016 | Philip Shaibu (November 2016 – April 2024) | ||
| PDP[36][37] (2020–2024) |
2020 | Omobayo Godwins (April 2024 – November 2024) Philip Shaibu (July 2024 – November 2024) | ||||||
| 11 |
|
Monday Okpebholo (b. 1970) [38] |
12 November 2024 – Incumbent |
APC [38] |
2024 | Dennis Idahosa | ||
See also
editNotes
edit- ^ The 15 January 1966 military coup in Nigeria led to Ejoor's appointment as Military Governor of the Midwest Region. As Lieutenant-Colonel and Commander of the Army Battalion in Enugu, he was involved in the events surrounding the coup. Following the coup, Ejoor became a member of the Supreme Military Council (SMC), Nigeria's highest governing body.[13]
- ^ In September 1967, Ogbemudia was appointed military administrator after Biafran troops entered the state. David Ejoor, the previous military governor, had left the state. Ogbemudia then took on the role of military governor.[11]
- ^ Following the unsuccessful Dimka coup, the Supreme Military Council reorganised the governance structure. On 15 March 1976, it was announced that George Agbazika Innih would be reassigned from Bendel State to Kwara State, which had been without a permanent governor since Taiwo's assassination. Concurrently, Captain Hussein Abdullahi, a naval officer, was appointed to succeed Innih in Bendel State.[18]
- ^ John Ewerekumoh Yeri served as Military Governor of Bendel State from August 1990 to August 1991. After the state's division, Yeri became the first Military Governor of Edo State, serving from 27 August 1991, to January 1992. He was followed by John Odigie-Oyegun, who took office in January 1992. Air Commodore Luke Chijiuba Ochulor was appointed as the first Military Administrator of Delta State. Elections were held, and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) won the gubernatorial election.[25][27]
- ^ Known to have dismissed over 8,000 state workers and stopped all government grants to Edo State University Ekpoma (now known as Ambrose Alli University Ekpoma)[32]
References
editCitations
edit- ^ "Edo State Governor". Nigeria Governors' Forum. Archived from the original on 27 October 2023. Retrieved 21 July 2024.
- ^ a b c Garrison, Lloyd (29 July 1962). "Nigerian Inquiry Bares Corruption; Extent of Graft Surprises Nation – Many Involved". The New York Times. p. 12. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on 25 August 2024. Retrieved 6 September 2024.
- ^ a b Meredith, Martin (27 June 2006). The Fate of Africa. PublicAffairs. p. 193. ISBN 978-1-58648-398-2.
- ^ a b Ojo, Emmanuel Oladipo (2012). "Leadership Crisis and Political Instability in Nigeria, 1964–1966: The Personalities, the Parties and the Policies" (PDF). Global Advanced Research Journal of History, Political Science and International Relation. 1 (1): 11. ISSN 2315-506X. Archived (PDF) from the original on 30 March 2024. Retrieved 6 September 2024 – via Nairametrics.
- ^ Falola & Genova 2009, p. 229.
- ^ "Mid-Western State Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Programme 1968–70". Ministry of Finance and Economic Development. 6 June 1968. Archived from the original on 21 July 2024. Retrieved 21 July 2024.
- ^ a b Abernethy, David B. (1964). "Nigeria creates a new region". The Africa Report. p. 8. ISSN 0001-9836. OCLC 772663659.
- ^ Osadebay, Dennis Chukude (1955). "Senate President". National Repository. Archived from the original on 26 July 2024. Retrieved 21 July 2024.
- ^ a b Okogba, Emmanuel (10 May 2019). "Major-Gen David Ejoor: Adieu, war hero". Vanguard News. ISSN 0794-652X. Archived from the original on 22 July 2024. Retrieved 21 July 2024.
Ejoor, a Lieutenant Colonel and Commander of the Army Battalion in Enugu, played a major role in neutralising the first military coup of January 15, 1966 which truncated the First Republic.
- ^ Falola & Genova 2009, pp. 230, 283.
- ^ a b Abidoye, Bisi (26 March 2017). "Tribute: Samuel Ogbemudia: The man who gave his people swagger". Premium Times. ISSN 2360-7688. Archived from the original on 21 July 2024. Retrieved 21 July 2024.
- ^ Babah, Chinedu (8 March 2017). "Osadebay, Chief Dennis Chukudebe". Biographical Legacy and Research Foundation. Archived from the original on 20 May 2024. Retrieved 21 July 2024.
- ^ "David Ejoor (1932–2019)". The Nation. 14 February 2019. ISSN 1595-3793. Archived from the original on 21 February 2019. Retrieved 21 July 2024.
- ^ a b "Dr Samuel Ogbemudia dies at 84: Nigerian reacts..." Nigerian Tribune. 11 March 2017. Archived from the original on 26 July 2024. Retrieved 21 July 2024.
- ^ Iweze, Daniel Olisa; Anyanwu, Uchenna (26 February 2021). "Post-Nigerian Civil War Community Reconstruction Strategies in (Anioma) Western Igboland, 1970–1991". Revista Brasileira de Estudos Africanos. 5 (10): 217. doi:10.22456/2448-3923.104799. ISSN 2448-3923.
- ^ Uzebu-Imarhiagbe, Enibokun (3 May 2020). "Women in the Nigerian judiciary: considerable headway or organised progress?". International Journal of the Legal Profession. 27 (2): 7. doi:10.1080/09695958.2020.1750410. ISSN 0969-5958.
- ^ Momah, Sam (2013). Nigeria Beyond Divorce: Amalgamation in Perspective (PDF). Safari Books. p. 51. ISBN 978-978-8431-34-3. Archived (PDF) from the original on 26 July 2024. Retrieved 23 July 2024 – via Goethe University Frankfurt.
- ^ a b Hochschild, Adam (23 April 2005). "Nigeria [book review]: Vanguard Book Serials: Not His Master's Voice, By Peter Ajayi". allAfrica. Archived from the original on 23 April 2005. Retrieved 21 July 2024.
- ^ a b c d e Eweka 2013, p. 17.
- ^ Ajayi, Femi (28 March 1998). "In memory of George Agbazika Innih and Elizabeth Aina Daniel". Nigeriaworld.com. Archived from the original on 27 September 2011. Retrieved 21 July 2024.
- ^ Agabi, Chris; Bello, Usman A. (11 July 2019). "Ex-gov of old Bendel State, Husaini Abdullahi, dies". Daily Trust. Archived from the original on 19 July 2019. Retrieved 21 July 2024.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link) - ^ Fejokwu, L.C.; Adefolalu, A.A. (1992). Political Leadership Handbook and Who's who. Polcom Nigeria. p. 132. ISBN 978-978-31594-0-2. Retrieved 30 October 2024.
- ^ Irene, Oseremen Felix (2000). Footpaths: A Life of Service: Tribute to Prof. Ambrose Folorunsho Alli: A Compendium of Achievements. National Association of Edo State Students. p. 1. OCLC 53015677.
- ^ Okonkwo, Ikoku (1995). Jeremiah Timbut Useni: Portrait of a Gentleman General in Selfless Service. Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. p. 130. ISBN 978-978-2925-00-8. Retrieved 25 July 2024.
- ^ a b c d e Eweka 2013, p. 20.
- ^ "This Day Online". This Day. 10 February 2002. Archived from the original on 10 September 2005. Retrieved 25 July 2024.
- ^ a b "Colonel John Ewerekumoh Yeri (August 1990–August 1991) Bendel state and (August 1991–January 1992) Edo State". Government of Edo State. 11 March 2016. Archived from the original on 9 June 2023. Retrieved 25 July 2024.
- ^ "Edo State Profile" (PDF). Civil Resource Development and Documentation Centre. Archived (PDF) from the original on 26 July 2024. Retrieved 26 July 2024.
- ^ Ayeni, Victor (13 April 2024). "Obaseki leads Nigerian delegation to Italy exhibition". The Punch. ISSN 0331-2666. Archived from the original on 21 June 2024. Retrieved 25 July 2024.
- ^ Ugo, Chima Joseph (12 November 2024). "Edo State Welcomes Okpebholo as New Governor". Prime 9ja Online. Retrieved 12 November 2024.
- ^ "Edo State Governor Election 2020: Meet di former governors of Edo state and dia biography". BBC News Pidgin (in Nigerian Pidgin). 30 August 2020. Archived from the original on 21 February 2022. Retrieved 26 July 2024.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q Eweka 2013, p. 24.
- ^ a b "John Odigie Oyegun: Founding Chairman". The Sun. 6 March 2024. ISSN 0795-7475. Archived from the original on 19 September 2024. Retrieved 26 July 2024.
- ^ Ogugbuaja, Charles; Akhain, Saxone (28 July 2002). "Onyearugbulem: Shock, Disbelief Greet Death". The Guardian. ISSN 0189-5125. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 26 July 2024.
- ^ Senator (Professor) Oserheimen Osunbor for Governor. Peoples Democratic Party. 2007. p. 6. OCLC 644598481. Archived from the original on 26 July 2024. Retrieved 26 July 2024.
- ^ a b "Obaseki: Who be di Edo state govnor wey port go PDP?". BBC News Pidgin (in Nigerian Pidgin). 20 June 2020. Archived from the original on 21 October 2021. Retrieved 26 July 2024.
- ^ Ayitogo, Nasir (20 June 2020). "Edo 2020: Obaseki joins PDP". Premium Times. ISSN 2360-7688. Archived from the original on 21 June 2020. Retrieved 20 June 2020.
- ^ a b Oyedokun, Taofeek (23 September 2024). "Who is Monday Okpebholo? The Edo governor-elect". BusinessDay. Retrieved 12 November 2024.
Sources
edit- Eweka, Richard Okoro (27 August 2013). "Edo State At 22: The Journey So Far!". The Nigerian Observer. Vol. 38, no. 297. ISSN 0331-2674. Archived from the original on 23 July 2024. Retrieved 23 July 2024 – via Issuu.
- Falola, Toyin; Genova, Ann (2009). Historical Dictionary of Nigeria. Scarecrow Press. ISBN 978-0-8108-5615-8.