BENIN CITY – The Leadership Dynamics Empowerment Foundation (LDEF) has congratulated the newly elected Local Government Chairmen in Edo State following the presentation of Certificates of Return by the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC), describing their emergence as a significant step towards strengthening grassroots governance and democratic consolidation.
The Foundation also unveiled plans to organise periodic media parley sessions that will provide a platform for the council chairmen to showcase their developmental achievements, innovative programmes and people-centred initiatives in support of Governor Monday Okpebholo’s SHINE Agenda across the 18 local government areas.
In a congratulatory message, the Lead Convener of LDEF, Mr. Andrew West-Ebi, described the successful conclusion of the July 11, 2026 local government elections as a significant milestone in deepening democratic governance, strengthening grassroots administration and fostering sustainable development across Edo State.
West-Ebi commended EDSIEC for the successful conduct of the electoral process, culminating in the presentation of Certificates of Return to the newly elected chairmen and vice chairmen. He urged the council leaders to justify the confidence reposed in them by the electorate through transparent, accountable and people-centred leadership.
According to him, the local government system remains the closest tier of government to the people and occupies a strategic position in delivering essential public services, promoting inclusive governance and accelerating socio-economic development at the grassroots.
He encouraged the newly elected chairmen to align their policies, programmes and projects with the SHINE Agenda of Governor Monday Okpebholo, noting that the administration’s development blueprint complements President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda in advancing national development and improving citizens’ welfare.
West-Ebi further announced that LDEF would institute periodic media parley sessions to provide a credible platform for Local Government Chairmen to present their developmental milestones, innovative initiatives and people-focused programmes to the public.
He explained that the initiative would not only strengthen transparency and public accountability but also encourage healthy competition among councils, promote the exchange of best practices and document grassroots success stories that demonstrate the practical implementation of the Governor’s SHINE Agenda across Edo State.
“The media parley will serve as an important accountability platform where council chairmen can periodically showcase their achievements, interact with stakeholders and provide updates on projects and programmes that are positively impacting their communities,” he said.
The LDEF Lead Convener expressed confidence that the initiative would further enhance public trust in local government administration while encouraging performance-driven leadership at the grassroots.
Meanwhile, it would be recalled that while presenting the Certificates of Return at the commission’s headquarters in Benin City, EDSIEC Chairman, Mr. Jonathan Aifuobhokhan, described the exercise as the successful conclusion of the electoral process, reminding the elected officials that the certificates symbolise the mandate freely entrusted to them by the people.
He charged the new council leaders to govern with integrity, humility and fairness, ensure prudent management of public resources, promote peace and inclusiveness, and implement programmes that would improve the quality of life of residents.
Aifuobhokhan also commended the Edo State Government, security agencies, political parties, election observers, civil society organisations, traditional and religious leaders, the media, electoral officials and residents for their contributions to the peaceful and successful conduct of the elections.
Responding on behalf of the elected chairmen, the Chairman-elect of Oredo Local Government Area, Iduseri Gabriel, expressed appreciation to EDSIEC for conducting what he described as a free, fair and credible election, assuring that the new council leadership would work closely with the Edo State Government to accelerate grassroots development.
Similarly, the Chairmen-elect of Ikpoba-Okha and Uhunmwonde Local Government Areas, Osawaru Sino Eru and Rotimi Augustine Imafidon, pledged to provide impactful leadership and ensure that the dividends of democracy reach communities across their respective local government areas.
The presentation of the Certificates of Return formally concludes the 2026 Edo State Local Government elections and paves the way for the inauguration of the newly elected administrations expected to drive community development, improve service delivery and strengthen grassroots governance across the state.
The elected Local Government Chairmen are: Osagie Thompson Osamuyide (Orhionmwon), Iyoha Saturday (Esan North-East), Azamegbe Endurance A. (Igueben), Rotimi Augustine Imafidon (Uhunmwonde), Tega Patrick Amiegbehor (Esan South-East), Osawaru Sino Eru (Ikpoba-Okha), Ebhodaghe Albert Blessing (Esan West), Enahoro Mkpokpo (Owan West) and Dame Vera Sadoh (Etsako Central),
Others are Odion Festus O. (Esan Central), Akande Robert Olumole (Akoko-Edo), Omoike Romeo Aloaye (Etsako West), Iduseri Gabriel (Oredo), Osaro Osa Eribo (Egor), Osarobo Anthony Osaro (Ovia South-West), Eriamontoe Christopher Eghosa (Ovia North-East), and Hon. Sunny Ekpeson (Etsako East).
