The Marginalization of South Uneme in Etsako Central Local Government Politics




The Marginalization of South Uneme in Etsako Central Local Government Politics


Introduction

The Etsako Central Local Government Area in Edo State comprises four clans: Fugar, Avianwu, Ekperi, and South Uneme.


Clan Breakdown

1. Fugar Clan - Wards 1-3: Iviarua, Ivienone, Ukho, Ebadi, Iviadachi, Iviochia, Iviegwi, Ivhiokhile, Ughiogwa, Ivhiagbanaku, Iviavhia


2. Avianwu Clan - Wards 4-5: Ogbona (Ward 4), 

Irhaokhor (Ward 5)


3. Ekperi Clan - Wards 6-8: Ugbekpe, Ivianake, Azughala (Ward 6), 

Oghomore, Ogbago, Ogochi, Okpeminada, Odame, Utsuko (Ward 7), 

Udaba, Osomhegbe, Ofukpo, Agbabu (Ward 8)

4. South Uneme Clan-Wards 9-10: 

Anegbette, Ukpeko-Orle, Ugbato, Imasabemholi, Imiaze, Imiaghele, Okpokwili (Ward 9), 

Udochi, Sabogida , Imiava, Ake, Ogwa, Abana, Ifeku (Ward 10)


These four clans are independent, autonomous, and headed by First Class Chiefs, making them equal in legal status. However, the Fugar, Avianwu, and Ekperi clans have numerical advantages due to more voting wards and population. Despite this, South Uneme is rich in human and material resources comparable to the other three clans.


Historical Background and Representation

Etsako Central Local Government was created in 1996 from Etsako East LGA under General Abdusalam Abubakar's military regime. Since its creation, the local government has had several elected executive chairmen:


Key Issues

1. Lack of Representation in Chairmanship

    - Fugar Clan:

        1. Mr. Joseph Alemoh Akhigbe (1997-1999, 1999-2002)

        2. Hon. Emmanuel Ozemede Momoh (2013-2016)

        3. Comrade John Osi Akhigbe (2018-2021)

        4. Hon. Solomon Obomighie (2023-2024)


    - Ekperi Clan:

        1. Hon. Pascal Ugbome (2004-2007)

        2. Hon. Joseph Ugheoke (2007-2010)


    - South Uneme:

        1. Hon. Cephas Mohammed Yakubu (2024-till date) (Acting)


No South Uneme person had occupied the chairmanship seat in elective capacity within the 29 years of the local government's existence until Hon. Cephas Mohammed Yakubu's appointment.


House of Assembly Representation

The Etsako Central House of Assembly seat is rotated among Avianwu and Ekperi clans, with Fugar Clan also having representation:


- Ekperi Clan:

    1. Hon. Pascal Ugbome (1999-2003)

    2. Hon. Damian Lawani (2015-2019)

    3. Hon. Ahmed Waziri (2019-till date)

- Fugar Clan:

    1. Hon. Christopher Omogbai (2003-2008)

    2. Hon. Jonny Ughuma (2008-2015)


The House of Assembly seat has been rotated between the Fugar and Ekperi clans without consideration for South Uneme.


Current Appointments

The current administration under His Excellency Monday Okpebholo has also shown marginalization in appointments:


- Fugar Clan:

    1. Hon. Comrade Akhigbe John Osi Sunday (Commissioner)

    2. Dr. Blessing Agbomere (Chairman, Edo Ecological Funding Commission)

    3. Mr. Muritala Okhakumhe (General Manager, STRUWASSA)


- Avianwu Clan:

    1. Mrs. Eugenia Abdallah (Commissioner)

    2. Mr. Oshiobughie Okhuemoi (Special Adviser on Media & Publicity)


- Ekperi Clan:

    1. Mr. John Osirenimhe Odior (Chairman, Edo State Audit Service Commission)

    2. Hon. Barr. Osikhena Donald-Boih (Chairman, Edo State Legal Reform Commission)


The Need for Change

The South Uneme people are stakeholders in the local government and deserve fair representation. It's essential to address this imbalance and ensure that their interests are represented in elective offices and government appointments. 

Zoning the 2026 Local Government Council Chairmanship seat to South Uneme could be a step towards achieving this goal and promoting inclusivity.


About the Author

Ambrose Kevin Akhigbe, FPAM, is a distinguished professional with a wealth of experience in governance and public service. He formerly served as the Governor's Liaison Officer and Vice Chairman of Etsako Central Local Government. He holds:

- Master's degree (MBA) in Business Administration from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife

- Master of Science (MSc) in Business Administration from Edo State University, Iyamho

- Master's degree in Pastoral Theology from the Redeemed Christian Bible College

- Bachelor's degree in Public Administration from Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma

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