Lucky Obukohwo Reporting
Amb. Aiyamenkhue Edokpolo, son of whose late father, Apostle John Enoyogiere Edokpolo championed the move for the Midwest Referendum 60 years ago, yesterday, said his late father and others who worked tirelessly for its success should be placed in the Hall of Fame and immortalized as a mark of honour to them.
He gave the call while speaking on the topic “dissecting the undercurrents of the struggle, and highlighting the unsung actors of that era: a villager’s perspective” at the twin celebrations of the 60th Midwest Referendum anniversary, as well as Edo State 32nd anniversary, held at the Sir Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub, Benin
Amb. Edokpolo said geopolitically speaking, Midwest region was an almagam of Benin and Delta provinces of the Western Region and that these provinces were the fulcrum of ethnic and tribal minorities of the Chief Obafemi Awolowo led Western Region, and by empirical evidences, the most suppressed, or marginalized, hence their agitation to secede and have a new region received strategic support from the Alhaji Ahmadu Bello led Northern region government.
Edokpolo said to start with, His Royal Majesty, Oba Akenzua II – the Oba of Benin was the chief proponent of the emancipation struggle, as he gave His prayers and blessings – largely because, he felt the brunt of the clandestine policies of marginalization of the geopolitical minorities of the hitherto Western Region government, led by Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
Edokpolo who chronicled the agitation for the referendum further, said that his late father, Apostle John Enoyogiere Edokpolo event-fully led the political counteroffensive in his capacity as the Founder/Leader of the Midwest Democratic Front – a registered political party (whose registered and operational address was situated at his No 7 Eyaenugie residence).
He said that mechanized the Yes Vote after securing an accord with the ruling Northern People’s Congress led by Alhaji Ahmadu Bello – the party that overwhelmingly passed the Referendum mandate, first as a Bill, and later as an act of parliament in the Nigeria’s national assembly.
He added that it is noteworthy to categorically point out that the Midwest region creation struggle was largely bankrolled by his late father, Apostle John Enoyogiere Edokpolo.
He explained the patriotic role of Pa. Agidigbi who he said provided a good number of his houses to the newly created region administration for ministries and liaison offices and also the renowned Timber magnate – Pa. Agbonkpolor Ogiemwonyi aka “Enofeke-erimwinre” (of No. 7. Ivbiyeneva quarters)
who also made complimentary financial and morale impact likewise including the Guest Lecturer – Dr. Nowa Omoigui (now late) who extensively dealt with the theme of the lecture within his scope of knowledge of the varying accounts of the actors and actions of the very historic era.
He said those who agitated for the Referendum suffered many humiliations, physical, spiritual attacks and were willing to sacrifice all that they had to see that their dream come through.
He lamented that 60 years down the line, those who fought for the Referendum have not been honoured.
“This address seeks intellectual and immortalization justice for the unsung heroes of that era.
“The government should attempt to chronicle these patriots, and place them in a hall of fame as a stimulant for next generation patriotism.
“Till date, most of these astute patriots are yet to be immortalized sixty years down the line”, Edokpolo lamented.