Edo State Deputy Governor, Engr. Godwins Marvellous Omobayo, has been hosted by his kinsmen to a grand reception in celebration of his new status as the number two citizen of the state.
The colourful reception which held on Saturday at the public field in Igarra, the administrative headquarters of Akoko-Edo Local Government Area, was organised by the Akoko-Edo Forum (AEF) in collaboration with the Akoko-Edo Traditional Council, in honour of the Deputy Governor.
In an emotion-laden speech titled: “The Akoko-Edo of My Dream”, Omobayo went down memory lane to chronicle the seeming marginalisation of his ancestral homeland over the years before his well-deserved appointment by Governor Godwin Obaseki, while proffering strategies on the way forward to sustain and consolidate Obaseki’s gesture of resetting the political tragectory of Akoko-Edo.
He said: “His Excellency, Governor Godwin Obaseki, has a very fierce sense of justice, equity and fairness. This informed his stubborn decision that the next Executive Governor of Edo State, should come from Edo Central. If our country were ruled by these principles, Nigeria would have been an Eduardo”.
“This gathering is a gathering of Akoko-Edo people. It is not the gathering of any political party. We all know why we are here and what we are celebrating. We are not celebrating Marvellous Omobayo. We are celebrating the birth of a new reality. The reality that at last, Akoko-Edo has been accepted as a true part of Afenmai region, and a true part of Edo State”.
The deputy governor highlighted the vast mineral resources that abound across the length and breadth of Akoko-Edo, while bringing to the fore, the comparative advantage it portends for the economic prosperity of the people and development of the area.
The State number two citizen harped on essence of unity and honesty of purpose on the part of the diverse people of Akoko-Edo land.
He stated: ” Every Akoko-Edo man must be a brother. Every Akoko-Edo woman must be a sister. This is the Akoko-Edo of my dream. Politics must not be allowed to divide us. For me, Akoko-Edo is the only viable political party l know”.
He paid glowing tribute to the Governor, noting; “For honouring us with the position of Deputy Governor, l believe that we should show gratitude to Governor Obaseki. How best to do this must be the subject of our dialogue going forward”.
On the fast approaching governorship election, Omobayo urged Edo people to vote for continuity, as the combination of Asue lghodalo and Osarodion Ogie ticket was an unbeatable team to sustain the developmental strides recorded by the Obaseki-led administration.
He expressed his gratitude to all for the historic event.
“It is because of your tomorrow that we are staking our today,” Omobayo added.
In their separate remarks, Otaru of lgarra, HRH Oba Saiki 11, Chairman of Akoko-Edo Forum, Charles Jagun, represented by Barr. Steve Dania and Akoko-Edo Council Chairman, Hon. Tajudeen Alade, were unanimous in commending Governor Obaseki for honouring their illustrious son.
They posited that Obaseki has taken a practical step in addressing the gross marginalization of Akoko-Edo over the years.
According to them, “The people of Akoko-Edo are now seeing the light of inclusivity and positive development”.
The occasion attracted traditional rulers, the Omobayo family, including the Deputy Governor’s wife, his mother and Hon. Yekini Idiaye, member representing Akoko-Edo Constituency 1, Edo State House of Assembly.
Also in attendance were some members of Edo State Executive Council from Akoko-Edo, political associates and friends, among others.
Highlights of the reception ceremony were traditional dances and cultural displays, as well as presentation of gifts to the Deputy Governor by the leadership of Akoko-Edo Forum and Akoko-Edo Traditional Council, respectively.
