BENIN CITY_ As Edo State celebrates its 30th Anniversary as a state, His Royal Highness, Prince Edun Akenzua, the Enogie of Obazuwa- Iko dukedum, has called on Edo youths to emulate the sterling qualities of the founding fathers of the state.
Prince Akenzwa who asserted that the youths no doubt are pivotal to nation building, warned the youths to shun vices, capable of undermining the peace and development of Edo.
He gave the admonition during a press briefing with Journalists at his Palatial house in Benin City, the Edo State Capital yesterday.
Enigie Akenzua who chronicled the events that led to the creation of the state, disclosed that the inauguration of the Edo State Movement Steering Committee by the transited Benin Monarch, Oba Erediauwa and the significant contributions of the Esama of Benin , Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, former Senate President, Dr. Joseph Wayas led to the actualisation of what is now known as Edo State.
He lauded the invaluable contributions particularly that of Chief Igbenedion and Dr. Wayas, noting that Chief Igbinedion facilitated the committee chanced-meeting the ex Senate President, which according to him was the key foundation for the creation of Edo State.
He said: “Following our (the late Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN and I), meeting within the Benin Monarch, Oba Erediauwa, the Oba expressed concerned over the maps for state creations supplied by Anioma, Aniocha and Delta especially as their maps included parts of Edo state.
“The Oba did not mind people demanded a state of their own but the new states didn’t have to annex any part of Edo Land. At that time, Edo state had not formed requested for the creation of a state.
“Few weeks after our place meeting, the Oba invited 11 traditional rulers and 35 prominent Edos and constituted the State creation steering committee, chaired by himself and assisted by the Late Chief Anthony Enaharo”, he disclosed.
The Enogie of Obazuwa- Iko particularly sued for the recognition of Chief Igbinedion who was not only instrumental and Chief launcher in the state creation but also went ahead to printing T-shirts and caps after donating Fifty Thousand Naria (50,000) Launching Fee, informing that he, ( Prince Edun Akenzua) was the publicity secretary of the steering committee.
“It is necessarily to tell this story in full because most Edo people and Nigerians do not know the Genesis of the formation of Edo state.
“Those in authority now may wish to honour the founding fathers of the state whose 30th Anniversary is coming up on August 27th, 2021.
“If that is to be so, it is hoped Dr. Joseph Wayas who was the Senate President at that time, Chief Igbinedion, Sen. Odion Ogbesia amongst others who played significant roles in the creation of the state should also be recognized as founding Fathers “, he agitated
