Prof Mike Ozekhome SAN, CON, OFR, FCIArb, LL.M, Ph.D., LL.D., D.Litt, D.Sc.

A famous Nigerian musician with the stage name, Patoranking, in his track, “Celebrate me”, admonished us on the need to celebrate and appreciate people while they are alive. High Chief Tom Ikimi, CON, FNIA KSG, D.Sc, the Akinrogun of Ife, the Inneh of Igueben, is, in the word of Patoranking, a “big name” and a towering figure in both stature and influence. He stands out as a beacon of resilience, wisdom, integrity and leadership.
High Chief Tom Ikimi, my elder friend and brother from Igueben, Edo State, was born on 10th April, 1944, in Kumba, Southern Camerouns. He attended the St. Joseph’s College, Sesse-Buea in Southern Camerouns; obtained a National Diploma in Building and Civil Engineering from the Midwestern Polytechnic, Auchi (the former Midwestern Nigeria, now Edo and Delta States); and a Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture from the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he was a prominent member of the Students Union and the National Union of Nigerian Students (NUNS).

As a top Nigerian politician, Ikimi has, over the years, held various high-ranking positions in the Nigerian political firmament and has been involved in helping to midwife different political parties throughout his career. He was a foundation member of the then Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN); and he led the party to win the 2012 Edo State Gubernatorial elections. He was also a foundation member and national leader of the Advanced Congress of Democrats, inaugurating the party in Edo state on February 21, 2006. Other party activities were honourably executed in the All Peoples Party (APP); the People’s Democratic Party (PDP); and the All Progressives Congress (APC), the present ruling party.
The tenacious politician made a lasting mark as the pioneer Chairman of the National Republican Convention (NRC), one of Nigeria’s two leading political parties during the transition to civilian rule in the early 1990s. His main rival was the Social Democratic Party (SDP) chaired by Babagana Kingibe. However, the Babangida military junta had with military dicta suddenly dissolved the Ikimi and Kingibe cabinets in October, 1992. Subsequently, Chief Tony Anenih (fondly called “Mr. Fix it”) became the Chairman of SDP, while Dr. Hahmed Kusamotu became Chairman of the NRC. The election that produced Chief M.K.O. Abiola who roundly defeated his closest rival, Alhaji Bashir Tofa, by 8,341,309 (58.36%) to 5,952,087 (41.64%) votes was held under this latter leadership. Ikimi had indeed been active in Nigerian politics since the 1980s and has played significant roles in various political administrations.
One major contribution made by High Chief Tom Ikimi towards strengthening democracy is his pioneering involvement in the founding of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nigeria. He was one of the founding fathers of the APC. He played a key role in the merger of several opposition parties to form the APC in 2013. The formation of the APC provided a formidable platform for opposition politics in Nigeria; and eventually led to the party’s victory in the 2015 presidential elections. This ended the 16-year rule of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). However, in 2014, Chief Ikimi quitted the APC as he accused the party leadership of ignoring national sensitivities in the administration of the fledgling party.
Chief Ikimi’s political influence transcends mere party activities. Engaged in various movements advocating for democracy, good governance, and national integration, Ikimi embodies a commitment to Nigeria’s political development. It is worthy of note that during General Olusegun Obasanjo’s regime, Chief Ikimi and other prominent figures faced deregistration from the PDP. This had exposed the party’s agenda to eliminate internal opposition with a view to facilitating Obasanjo’s self-succession and transmutation agenda. In sharp response to this, chief Ikimi rallied with trusted allies to establish the Movement for the Restoration and Defence of Democracy (MRDD). This movement not only effectively challenged Obasanjo’s autocratic ambition; but it also championed democratic principles during these trying times.
On the diplomatic sphere, Chief Ikimi’s illustrious career exemplifies a remarkable dedication to diplomatic excellence and global leadership. Ikimi had served as the Special Adviser to General Sani Abacha in 1994 during which he prepared the memo that led to the establishment of the highly successful Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF). He later served as Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs in the heat of military dictatorship. Chief Ikimi’s diplomatic acumen shone brightly throughout that turbulent era. In April, 1995, he graced the international stage, leading Nigeria’s delegation to the Review/Extension Conference of the Parties to the treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) in New York, where his eloquent delivery of Nigeria’s national position left an indelible mark on the global scene.
Furthermore, his leadership was evident at the Ministerial meeting of the Coordinating Bureau of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) in Bandung, Indonesia. Throughout his tenure, Chief Ikimi’s presence resonated at numerous international gatherings, including the 40th Anniversary Meeting of the Movement of Non-Aligned countries in Bandung, Indonesia, and the Ministerial meeting of the Coordinating Bureau of the Non-Aligned Movement in Cartagena, Colombia.
Ikimi’s role in representing Nigeria at various sessions of the United Nations General Assembly and Security Council, articulating Nigeria’s stance on various issues with eloquence and authority, underscored his unwavering commitment to advancing the nation’s interests on the global stage.
Before his political engagements, Chief Ikimi in the realm of professional calling, had established his own architectural practice in 1977. Over the years, he demonstrated remarkable prowess in executing a diverse range of projects, encompassing private residences, sports facilities, office complexes, and industrial buildings, both locally and internationally. Notably, his architectural firm achieved international recognition and fame when it won the prestigious competition for the design of the new OAU office and conference Centre projects in Addis-Ababa, Ethiopia. Recognized for his contributions in the field of Architecture, he attained the status of Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Architects (FNIA). Beyond architecture, Chief Ikimi has cultivated successful business ventures spanning construction, trade, and farming, showcasing his versatility and entrepreneurship.
In recognition of his unquantifiable contributions to community development, Nigerian politics and public service, Tom Ikimi was honoured with the title of High Chief Oduma in his native Igueben Kingdom. “Oduma” simply means lion. Ikimi is indeed the roaring lion. While his career has seen both highs and lows, his achievements have left indelible footprints on Nigeria’s political landscape.
Today, as I reflect on Chief Ikimi’s illustrious journey, I am reminded of his unwavering commitment to service and dedication to the betterment of his country. Throughout his exemplary career, Ikimi has exemplified the noblest virtues of selflessness and sacrifice, always placing the needs of the country and others above his own. No wonder Pope John Paul II in 1993 honoured him with the revered Knighthood of St. Gregory the Great (KSG). Rivers State University of Science and Technology followed suit when he was honoured with the Honourary Degree of D.Sc (Architecture).
Chief Ikimi’s leadership has been characterized by rare vision, foresight and wisdom in guiding countless individuals and organizations towards greater heights of success and prosperity. His innate ability to inspire and empower those around him has been instrumental in fostering positive change and development on both local and national scales.
Beyond his sterling professional achievements as an accomplished architect of global fame, Chief Ikimi is cherished for his warmth, compassion, empathy and humility. He possesses a rare gift of connecting with people from all walks of life, forging meaningful relationships and alliances built on trust, respect, and mutual understanding.
I celebrate Chief Tom Ikimi’s today, not only for his remarkable accomplishments, but also for the countless lives he has touched and transformed. May the Oduma’s indelible legacy continue to inspire generations to come, serving as guiding light and beacon of hope for all who aspire to make a difference in the world. Through his smiles and affability, the taciturn Oduma lights up dark crevices, energises tired muscles and rekindles hope to the hopeless, hapless and vanquished citizens of Nigeria – the hoi folloi; the Frantz Fanon’s “Wretched of the Earth”.
Happy birthday to a great Pan-Nigerian patriot! May all your days be filled with joy and love in appreciation of all that you are; all that you have don; and all that you stand for.
Let me end this tribute to this towering Nigerian and luminous man of many parts by quoting Edgar Allan Poe, “Life is a song – sing it. Life is a game – play it. Life is a challenge – meet it. Life is a dream – realise it. Life is a sacrifice – offer it. Life is love – enjoy it”.
So, Oduma, enjoy life to the fullest as you hit the octogenarian age. Beyond this, receive Genesis 6:3. It is your portion.

By Fred Itua

Edo State is at crossroads. A simple task awaits every son and daughter of Edo extraction and residents in the State- to vote for a credible governor that will fix the mess of Governor Godwin Obaseki. The task and choices before the people are simple, yet, some folks have elected themselves to make the process different and impossible. On the 21st if September, 2024, the people of Edo State will chose between realism and empty promises; an assured future and a rehearsed selfish capitalism. Whoever the people chose to pitch their interests with, there will be consequences.

Monday Okpebholo, a senator, entrepreneur, philanthropist, politician, a home boy, and the presumptive governor of Edo State, stands tall among other candidates. Beside their verbosity and empty rhetorics, no candidate stands close to Senator Monday Okpebholo.

Rather than dwell on the inadequacies of other infant politicians, who neither understand the peculiar needs of Edo people, or appreciate the enormous tasks at hand, I will expouse Okpebholo’s remarkable prospects and why he needs the vote of Edo people and residents.

The current governor of the State, Godwin Obaseki, has made the choices before us easy. His abysmal failure and his failed inability to rise above pettiness, has made the job of electing Okpebholo as the next governor of Edo easy. His Greek gift notwithstanding to civil servants, his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), will suffer a resounding defeat that even the deaf will hear.

Okpebholo was born and raised in Edo State. Though this is not a yardstick to measure possible performance, it is however necessary to establish certain facts. As a homegrown politician, he understands the people, their needs and expectations. He is not a stranger to the realities on ground.

Okpebholo has intervened in key areas and he is not an accidental philanthropist, whose only footprints are found in loud promises and empty substances. Okpebholo has brought reprieve to needy families in Edo, provided jobs, funded community infrastructure, awarded scholarships, provided free internet services, supported security architecture of the State, and brought Federal presence to the three senatorial districts of Edo State.

There are five critical areas in Edo State that need urgent intervention. Interestingly, Okpebholo has zeroed in on these cardinal areas that will fastrack development in Edo, create jobs and prosperity, quality health and education, ICT development, agriculture and creation of new smart cities and towns. They are not rocket science. Okpebholo already has a proven track records in these key areas.

Edo State has a vibrant and educated youth population. Unfortunately, the Obaseki administration has failed to harness these talents in developing Edo State. Instead, he is notorious for signing MoUs that are gathering dusts in some archives somewhere. On the other hand, Okpebholo belongs to the youth generation. He understands their needs and aspirations and he is ready to harness these youngsters.

Okpebholo, as a man with street credibility and a practical entrepreneur, he will create jobs through friendly policies that will attract the right investors to the State. He is not a portfolio businessman, who relies cunningly on his adulterated fine tenses to deceive the gullible public. With Okpebholo, job and wealth creation are assured.

In Obaseki’s Edo State, all the tertiary institutions have progressed backwards. He has stiffled growth and has suffocated parents and students with unrealistic fees. For the PDP administration in Edo, the people don’t matter. Secondary schools are understaffed and the motivation is low. Obaseki behaves like an emperor who cannot be questioned.

With Okpebholo as governor, a new deal is sure. Okpebholo, as a grassroot man, understands the people. He will prioritise education and make fees affordable to all. For him, he understands the imperativeness of quality education and he will not fail to deliver that dividend to the people.

Healthcare centres and hospitals in Edo State are glorified chemist shops. There are no trained medical professionals, and the buildings are in their worst forms. No medical equipment and the administration of the PDP fiddles while Rome burns.

With Okpebholo as governor, primary healthcare and the resuscitation of the State’s health architecture will be revived. Critical medical staff and professionals will be hired to attend to the health needs of Edo people. Okpebholo wI’ll not fiddle while Edo people suffer. Never!

Beside being a major tourism hub which Okpebholo has revealed that he will prioritise, Edo State is a major agricultural hub. It has one of the biggest rainforests in West Africa. It prides itself as the home of timber and agricultural products. In the eight years of the PDP administration in Edo State, it has failed abysmally to harness this goldmine and add to the economy of the State.

Okpebholo understands the importance of food security and how it can add to the economy of Edo State, hence he has prioritised it as a key component of his manifesto. The three senatorial districts of Edo State have unique agricultural products and Okpebholo plans to drive agricultural revolution in the Heartbeat State.

In terms of road infrastructure, Edo State is a failed State. The few miserable roads constructed by Obaseki are so substandard that heavy rains can wash them away. If you are in doubt, visit Edo State. For Okpebholo, this is the number one priority- road construction across the three senatorial districts. Okpebholo will not embrace excuses and fail to deliver. He will Renew the Hope of Edo people. As a senator, he has influenced road projects to the three senatorial districts of Edo State. Imagine what he will do as governor.

Edo State has played the role of the opposition for too long and this is beginning to mess up the State. There are no federal presence. Obaseki, who should ordinarily embrace the government at the centre, has continued to be at loggerheads with the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration. Okpebholo as governor will unify Edo with the Federal Government. This will definitely bring dividends of democracy to the people.

From the foregoing, it is obvious that the choices before Edo people is clear. We must chose to form a new government that puts the people first and not encumber them with more than they can bear. Edo people have a unique chance to chose a new path that will usher in prosperity, jobs, food security, quality education and healthcare, among others.

Itua is a media practitioner, scholar, and writer. He sent in this piece from Abuja

By Ehichioya Ezomon

The “Big lie” – often attributed to the Nazi propaganda chief Joseph Goebbels – though there seems to be no evidence that it was used by him to prop up the State under the hegemonic rule of Adolf Hitler – is to repeat a lie until it’s assumed to be true.
According to Wikipedia, “If you tell a lie big enough and keep repeating it, people will eventually come to believe it. (Yet) the lie can be maintained only for such time as the State can shield the people from the political, economic and/or military consequences of the lie. It thus becomes vitally important for the State to use all of its powers to repress dissent, for the truth is the mortal enemy of the lie, and thus by extension, the truth is the greatest enemy of the State.”
We aren’t here dealing with the power of the State to lie to the people, to serve certain ends, but the proclivity of politicians to lie to the public, to gain political points and mileage over their opponents. That’s the scenario playing out in Edo State in the lead-up to the September 21, 2024, governorship election.
It’s almost two weeks that the unusual – and uncommon in our clime – reportedly took place in Uromi, headquarters of Esan North-East local government area of Edo Central in Edo State: That the family members of the “Okpebholo dynasty” in Uromi had declared their support for the candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr Asue Ighodalo.
“Reportedly” because politics is like magic: the more you look, the less you see. In politics, anything can happen, as anything can be “arranged” to look real, especially “when money talks and changes hands.” That’s why opponents are quick to debunk “defections” from their political platforms to others, before the gambit grows wings of reality.
The undisguised impression created in the public by organisers of the Okpebholo family’s “defection” to the PDP, as first reported by The Conclave on April 18, is that the family – settling in a different location – is related to the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Monday Okpebholo (APC, Edo Central).
It’s on this premise that one allowed almost a fortnight’s benefit of the doubt – even as a two-week period is more than a lifetime in politics – to see if Okpebholo would clarify that the family members at Amedokhian community in Uromi, who decamped to the PDP, and declared support for Ighodalo on April 17, are related or unrelated to his family from Udomi-Uwessan community of Irrua, Esan Central local government area of Edo Central in Edo State.
(Sen. Okpebholo’s born on August 29, 1970, at Udomi-Uwessan, Irrua, where he’d his early education at the Udomi Community Primary School and Ujabhole Community Secondary School, both in Irrua, before he completed his secondary education and obtained his senior school certificate in Jos, Plateau State, and received a degree in Business Administration from the University of Abuja, where he’s undergoing a Masters’ degree in Policy and Leadership Studies.)
But one hasn’t heard, seen, or read about an affirmation or a denial from Okpebholo in the media. Perhaps, that may come on the campaign trail, which officially began on Wednesday, April 24, going by the guidelines of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for full-fledged electioneering that’ll end midnight on Thursday, September 19.
While the public expects a plausible explanation from Okpebholo or the leadership of the APC in its Edo State chapter, it’s curious to know if – before the campaigns commenced – the candidate and the party had a media arm. If they’d, did they bar the outfit from publicising their activities – or giving access to the prying and nosey media to do same – until they “hit the ground running” after INEC would’ve blown the whistle for earnest campaigns?
In that regard, can they cover the lost ground – particularly ceded to the seemingly well-oiled media arm of the campaign organisation of the rival PDP and its candidate, Ighodalo – and meet the expectations of the APC leadership, mostly President Bola Tinubu – who, while handing over the party flag to Sen. Okpebholo and his running, Hon. Dennis Idahosa (APC, Ovia Federal Constituency) at the State House, Abuja, on March 18, described them as “giant killers”?
At a gathering of party stalwarts for the ceremony, Tinubu, sounding upbeat about the APC winning the governorship, declared: “Distinguished senator and our flag bearer, we are putting you forward in order to hold the party in trust for us and achieve victory for us. You and your running mate have been described as ‘giant killers,’ and you have worked tirelessly with the party leadership.
“We are going to work with you. We are going to stand with you like the wall (Rock) of Gibraltar. That is all I can assure you. The party is supreme but victory is superior and very important.” The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) first reported the story.
Both Okpebholo and Idahosa – on their way to the National Assembly (NASS) – defeated incumbents at the poll, and are expected to wave the same or similar political magic wand, to win in September and restore the APC to power at the Osadebey Avenue Government House in Benin City, the Edo State capital city.
Okpebholo, Idahosa, the APC and its leader in Edo State, Sen. and former Governor Adams Oshiomhole – who “anointed” Idahosa for the governorship, and had to settle for the deputy slot after Okpebholo won the twice-held primary – have barely five months to turn things around in the proxy battle of incumbent Governor Godwin Obaseki and Comrade Oshiomhole to install their “anointed” candidates, respectively.
Particularly for Oshiomhole, nothing else will suffice, as he strives to avoid a second consecutive defeat of his “chosen candidates” by his erstwhile political protégé-turned traducer, who sponsors Ighodalo, and pulls all stops to ensure the candidate succeeds him in November 2024.
Recall that Obaseki, running for his re-election in 2020 – after Oshiomhole, as then chairman of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the APC, denied him the party ticket, and forced him to decamp to the PDP – defeated Oshiomhole’s choice candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, who’s also the PDP candidate in the 2016 governorship poll against Obaseki, then of the APC.
Oshiomhole’s, however, promised – with the joint efforts of the APC candidates and members of the party – to reclaim Edo State from the PDP. He made the pledge in a congratulatory message to Okpebholo after he picked Idahosa as his running mate on March 17.
Oshiomhole said: “Your decision to choose Hon. Dennis Idahosa as your running mate, demonstrates great wisdom and foresight. Your joint ticket presents the people of Edo State with the best option to usher in a dynamic, progressive, and responsive government that aligns with the aspirations of our vibrant youth population.
“I am confident in your leadership abilities and believe that, with the support of all APC members across the state, we can restore Edo State to the path of progressive governance, sustainable socio-economic growth and political inclusion in all its ramifications.
“Together, we must forge a strong, united front that resonates with the electorate and secures victory in the governorship election on September 21, 2024. Congratulations once again, as I eagerly anticipate our collective efforts towards achieving victory in the upcoming election. Yours in the struggle for the rebirth of a greater Edo State that works for all.”
Oshiomhole’s lofty expectation of a return of the APC to governance of Edo State is a daunting task and a big challenge to Okpebholo’s candidacy that needs bolstering with rapid response to disclaiming oppo narratives tending to portray that Okpebholo and the APC are losing ground, and surrendering when the battle has just begun.
Meanwhile, Ighodalo and the PDP are gaining in momentum. Pre-primary in February 2024 to pick candidates for the September governorship poll, Ighodalo’s opponents had capitalised on his supposed handicap in not communicating fluently – some allege he can’t even string a few words together – in Esan language.
To somewhat compound his perceived political woes, Ighodalo – unable to address his ward members in Esan when he visited Ewohimi to inform them about his ambition, and crave their support to make it a reality – allegedly “hired an interpreter” to help him out of the language logjam.
In the polarised, tribally and ethnically-inclined political environment in Nigeria, the fact that Ighodalo can’t communicate in his native language, he’s bred, schooled, and works outside Edo State, and his mother and wife were/are non-Edo – even though his father’s an indigene of Okaigben, Ewohimi in Esan South-East local government area of Edo State, where he kicked off his bid for governor – makes his political opponents to adorn him with the toga of “not a true ‘son-of-the-soil'” of Esanland, and Edo State.
But whether or not Ighodalo speaks Esan fluently – which’s not a criterion for the governorship – he’s adjusted to delivering his message of “making Edo the Number one State in Nigeria” in simple English language, mixed with pidgin English – the “unofficial lingua franca” of Esan people, Edo people, and the Nigerian people – that’s turned for him a blessing in disguise.
Like Nigeria’s leading telecoms operator’s famous unique selling point, “MTN Everywhere You Go,” Ighodalo – since entering the governorship race in 2023 – has been everywhere in the nooks and cranies of the 192 wards of the 18 local government areas of Edo State, selling himself, his vision and mission to be governor in November 2024.
And the results – as he consulted widely in the off-campaign period – were the friendly and welcoming receptions for him and his team, and the many defections from other political parties to the PDP, as witnessed on April 17 in Uromi, where the “Okpebholo family members” defected from various political parties and “joined the rest of their members, who were already in the PDP, to jointly endorse Ighodalo and the PDP.”
The Conclave reports: “The carnival-like atmosphere witnessed not just only the members of the family, but also women, youths and other members of the community, all chanting Ighodalo’s name and affirming that he is their governorship candidate for the election.
“Ighodalo had stormed Uromi, with a number of his supporters, to witness their defection to the PDP. He was treated to a warm welcome, as cultural dance troupes added colour to the convivial atmosphere, showcasing the rich heritage of the Uromi Kingdom to their guests.
“With the approval of the head of the Okpebholo dynasty, Hon (Engr.) Felix Okpebholo, Barr. Patrick Okpebholo – a grassroots politician and mobiliser, who recently dumped the Labour Party (LP) for the PDP – introduced his cherished family members, who are leaders and stakeholders in various endeavours of life.
“The visit was significant in many respects, as it served as a pivotal moment for Ighodalo to further reaffirm and expand his bond with the Okpebholo dynasty and indeed the Amedokhian people of Uromi, where he also shared his vision and aspirations for the people of Uromi and the broader Edo State.
“Ighodalo expressed his profound gratitude to the family for the support and reception, promised not to let anyone down, assured the audience of his unwavering dedication to their cause, and upholding the values of integrity, accessibility and inclusivity in whatever he will do in the state, and emphasised the importance of unity and collective action in realising their shared dreams for a brighter future and a prosperous Edo State.”
The defection of members of the”Okpebholo family” of Uromi to the PDP – and similar others across Edo State – is a huge boost to Dr Ighodalo’s aspiration, and capable of giving Sen. Okpebholo (and the APC) sleepless nights and a wake-up call to action, if he’s to realise his ambition to be governor in November 2024!

Mr Ezomon, Journalist and Media Consultant, writes from Lagos, Nigeria