Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
A group under the platform of the Henry Seriake Dickson (HSD) Movement, also known as the Ofurumapepe Movement, has accused Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, of abandoning the state at a critical time, alleging that his absence has left residents grappling with worsening flooding, deplorable roads and mounting ecological challenges.
The Edo State Coordinator of the group, Comrade Emmanuel Ogbidi, made the allegations in a strongly worded statement, expressing disappointment over what the group described as the perceived lack of urgency by the state government in addressing the devastating impact of the ongoing rainy season.
Ogbidi alleged that several communities across the state are increasingly exposed to the effects of flooding and poor infrastructure, while the government’s response, according to the group, has fallen short of what the situation demands.
The HSD Movement therefore called on the governor to prioritise the immediate needs of residents and take decisive measures to mitigate the effects of flooding and other environmental challenges confronting the state.
According to the HSD Movement, several communities across Edo State, particularly parts of Benin City, are currently battling flooding, with roads rendered difficult or impossible to access and some residents reportedly forced to abandon their homes.
The group identified Uselu among areas severely affected by the flooding, while noting that several other communities have also experienced significant disruption following days of heavy rainfall.
It expressed particular concern that even roads around the Government House and the Government Reserved Area (GRA) in Benin City have reportedly been affected by flooding.
The movement therefore questioned the whereabouts and responsiveness of the state government at a time when, according to it, residents require visible leadership and urgent intervention.
The HSD Movement said a responsible government should, at this stage of the rainy season, be holding strategic meetings, conducting emergency assessments and mapping out flood-prone areas in order to develop immediate and sustainable solutions to the ecological crisis.
Rather than what it described as “abandoning Edo State to flood,” the group urged Governor Okpebholo to return his attention to the state and personally lead efforts to tackle the growing environmental and infrastructure challenges.
The group also criticised the governor over his reported presence in Osun State following an earlier trip to the United Kingdom, describing his movements outside Edo as misplaced priorities in view of the challenges confronting residents at home.
It called on individuals close to the governor and members of his administration who have his ear to advise him to return to Edo and concentrate on the responsibilities of his office.
“Edo people are expecting so much from a government that promised to deliver service and provide good governance.
“At this critical moment, the people need government presence, not absence,” the movement said.
Beyond the flooding crisis, the HSD Movement also took exception to comments allegedly made by Governor Okpebholo during his visit to Osun State.
The group warned that political disagreements should not degenerate into provocative rhetoric capable of creating tension between the people of Edo and Osun states.
It recalled the longstanding cultural and historical relationship between the Edo and Yoruba peoples, stressing that such ties should not be undermined by political differences.
The movement argued that governors, as senior political leaders, should be seen promoting peace, unity, development and democratic values rather than making statements capable of ridiculing or vilifying other elected leaders.
“Even if not for anything, you are a governor. You cannot be seen to be mocking another governor,” the group stated.
The HSD Movement further expressed dissatisfaction with the performance of the Okpebholo administration since its assumption of office, claiming that the expectations generated during the governor’s campaign have not, in its assessment, translated into sufficient delivery of governance.
It urged the governor to focus on the “business of governance,” particularly the rehabilitation of roads, drainage infrastructure, flood control, environmental management and other basic services affecting the daily lives of Edo residents.
The group said the present situation should also serve as a lesson to Edo voters ahead of the 2027 elections.
It called on citizens to become more deliberate and critical in evaluating political leaders, urging them to support candidates based on competence, accountability, commitment and demonstrated capacity to address the needs of the people.
The HSD Movement maintained that the flooding crisis requires urgent government intervention and called on the Edo State Government to conduct a comprehensive assessment of affected communities, identify critical drainage and road infrastructure requiring immediate attention, and establish a coordinated emergency response to protect residents from further hardship.
It warned that continued inaction could worsen the humanitarian and economic consequences of the flooding, particularly for residents whose homes, businesses and means of transportation are already being affected.
The group therefore called on Governor Okpebholo to return his full attention to Edo State, insisting that “the people need leadership now, not political tourism.”
