₦airaland Forum

Senator Joshua Iserhienrhien Idehen (1896–1979) was one of the most accomplished sons of the Benin Kingdom a renowned businessman, industrialist, politician, philanthropist, and community leader. His life remains a remarkable testament to hard work, honesty, discipline, perseverance, and visionary leadership.

Born in 1896 at Oregbeni, a suburb of Benin City in present-day Edo State, Nigeria, Joshua Iserhienrhien Idehen was the first of fifteen children. Although he began life as a farmer under his father, he later left home to establish himself in Benin City. Through determination, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, he built a successful business empire from the ground up.

According to his family, Pa Joshua firmly believed that success did not depend on knowing influential people or having a political godfather. He believed that anyone could rise to greatness through honesty, hard work, discipline, and perseverance. These principles guided every aspect of his life and became the foundation of his enduring legacy.

Long before entering politics, Senator Idehen had already established himself as one of the foremost indigenous businessmen in the old Midwest Region. He owned extensive timber concessions and established the second indigenous sawmill in Benin City, creating employment opportunities for many people. He was also the sole representative of Bata Shoe Company in the old Benin Province and built a thriving business empire that earned him widespread respect throughout the region.

Beyond commerce, he was deeply committed to community development. A passionate football enthusiast, he founded Idehen Rangers Football Club in the 1950s. The club was managed by his son, Sir George Otutu Ise-Idehen, and produced notable players, including Edwin Aimufua, Willy Bazuaye, and Rufus Osemene.

His success in business, his reputation for integrity, and his dedication to the welfare of his people naturally led him into public service. He became a member of the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC), later renamed the National Convention of Nigerian Citizens, led by Herbert Macaulay and later by Nnamdi Azikiwe. In the 1950s, he was also among the founders and major financiers of Otu-Edo, a movement established to promote the development of Benin and the unity and progress of all Edo-speaking peoples of Nigeria.

Having already distinguished himself as a respected businessman and community leader, Joshua Iserhienrhien Idehen was elected in 1965 as the First Senator representing the Midwest South Region during Nigeria's First Republic. He also held several important political positions and contributed significantly to the political and economic development of the former Midwest Region and Nigeria.

Despite his remarkable achievements, Senator Idehen remained a humble and devoted family man. He was blessed with 20 children—11 sons and nine daughters. At a time when many families focused on educating only their sons, he ensured that all his children, including his daughters, received primary, secondary, and tertiary education. He believed that education was the greatest inheritance a parent could give, and he never discriminated between his sons and daughters.

He also ensured that his wealth did not define his children. Instead, he raised them to value honesty, discipline, humility, and hard work, encouraging each of them to pursue excellence in their chosen professions.

Many of his children went on to distinguish themselves nationally and internationally. Among them were Dr. Humphrey Idemudia Iserhienrhien Idehen, a German-trained physician who became the first West African dermatologist, the first Benin medical doctor to head the Dermatology Department at the General Hospital, Lagos, and the first physician to the State House under President Nnamdi Azikiwe; Dr. Alex E. Idehen, also German-trained, an ophthalmologist and one of the pioneer professors who established the Optometry Department at the University of Benin, as well as the founding ophthalmologist at Azuwa Hospital, Benin City; Sir George Otutu Ise-Idehen, General Manager of Idehen Sawmills; Pa Ajari Idehen, an agro-allied entrepreneur; Barrister Charles Idehen, the first nigerian to become the president of the Africa Bar Association, and was also the president of the Nigeria bar association; Solomon Idehen, a committed politician; and Nosa Idehen, an international businessman who founded Sound View, the first video recording and VHS rental store in Benin City.

Senator Joshua Iserhienrhien Idehen passed away on 18 September 1979, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire generations. He is remembered not only as a pioneering businessman and distinguished senator but also as a loving father, an education advocate, a philanthropist, and a leader whose impact on Benin, Edo State, and Nigeria remains enduring.