Toba Owojaiye reporting
Uromi, Edo State
Leaders of Ward 6 (Uzea) in Esan North East Local Government Area of Edo State have made a passionate appeal to Governor Monday Okpebholo and the All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership to address decades of political exclusion and marginalization suffered by their community.
In an open letter signed by Chief Audu Agadaga Mohammed, the Adaghebalu of Uzea Kingdom, and made available to Truth Live News, the leaders highlighted that Uzea remains the only ward in the local government without any elected representation in over 25 years of democracy. This is despite the community’s consistent participation in elections and recent efforts to deliver the APC at the polls during the 2024 governorship election.
“Ward 6 (Uzea) has not produced a single elected official, either as House of Assembly member, House of Representatives member, or Local Government Council Chairman, since 1999. The only appointive position held by our people was a commissioner role that lasted 18 months,” the letter stated.
Chief Audu’s letter detailed the extensive disparity in political representation within Esan North East LGA. Wards 1 through 11, primarily Uromi, have consistently produced elected officials at various levels. Ward 1 currently has the House of Assembly member for Constituency 1, while Ward 5 boasts the House of Representatives member. Uzea (Ward 6), however, remains unrepresented in any elected capacity.
“This lack of inclusion is an injustice to our people and threatens to push Uzea into perpetual political oblivion,” the letter continued.
The letter provided a detailed breakdown of elected positions held by other wards in the local government, underscoring the gap in Uzea’s representation.
The leaders praised Governor Okpebholo for his leadership and reiterated their support for his administration. They noted that during the 2024 Edo State governorship election, Uzea defied expectations and delivered one of the three APC victories in Esan North East LGA.
“APC won Ward 6 (Uzea), Ward 1, and Ward 5. Yet, despite this historic win, Ward 6 has been left without representation, while Wards 1 and 5 have been allocated key positions,” the letter emphasized.
The leaders called on Governor Okpebholo and the APC leadership to rectify these disparities by ensuring Uzea is included in both elective and appointive positions moving forward. They also urged the state government to prioritize development projects in Uzea as a way to foster unity and equity in the region.
“Let this administration be remembered as the one that corrected decades of inequity in Esan North East. We appeal to His Excellency to ensure that the voices of Uzea people are heard and represented,” Chief Audu concluded.
The appeal from Uzea leaders highlights a broader conversation about equity in political representation across Edo State. Stakeholders in the state and beyond are now watching closely to see how Governor Okpebholo’s administration will respond to this heartfelt call for justice and inclusivity.
Long Live Edo State!