₦airaland Forum

Entitlement And Its Pitfalls: The Dangers Of Political Entitlement In Edo State - Insights From The Esan Perspective

So let's begin by defining the Esan agenda. Evident supporters of the Esan agenda claim that Edo North held the governorship for 8 years, Benins held it for 16 years, and Edo Central held it for just over a year.

This viewpoint is valid and shows good judgement. The current circumstance, however, indicates a worrying reality: Edo Central has continually experienced marginalisation, with the difficulty in generating a deputy governor further aggravating the problem.

While understandable, the essential query is: What electoral value does Edo Central bring to the table?

Edo Central holds a comparable electoral weight to that of Oredo local government. However, it is worth noting that some argue that the Ishans constitute a significant voting bloc in Edo South.

Personally, though, I have never encountered anyone speaking to me in Ishan throughout my time in Edo South. It is intriguing how, upon initial interaction, market women tend to address you in Benin language, irrespective of their awareness of your origin.
Drawing a parallel to the recent Governorship elections in Lagos, we witnessed a situation where the South East region believed that their population in Lagos would sway votes in favor of the LP candidate.

This belief led to a misguided perception that Lagos was a "no man's land." Consequently, an unexpected turn of events occurred, transforming into an unfortunate ethnic conflict. Yoruba indigenes, who had previously worked and voted against Tinubu, suddenly succumbed to tribal sentiments and voted for their own.

Engaging in conversations filled with animosity and resorting to shutting down individuals, including passionate writers like myself, does not contribute to the validity of your arguments.

It is noticeable that whenever someone advocates for a candidate from Edo North or South, insults are hurled as if the Esan community, with its population, could emerge victorious in a battle solely based on insults.

I kindly request everyone to maintain a calm demeanor and share their valuable contributions. Presently, Edo North is currently focused on a single aspirant who has expressed interest, whereas Edo South boasts approximately five aspirants, and Edo Central has a staggering count of over 60 aspirants, with the number continuously growing.

It is worth noting that resorting to insults and attempts to silence others will not alter the existing narrative.

Esan's narrative holds promise, but it requires a strategic approach rather than relying solely on words. In a family setting, the last child cannot assert their rights without seeking the support of the elder siblings, unless they happen to be the sole breadwinners of the entire family.

Unfortunately, in the case of Edo Central, they do not hold the position of being the primary contributors to the region's prosperity.

Certainly! If we acknowledge the notion that Esans possess a substantial voting population in Edo South, it leads us to ponder the situation in Edo North, which has an even larger population than Edo Central. Additionally, Edo North's population is not confined solely within its borders, as it also extends into Edo South.

Therefore, if Esans are believed to have a strong presence in Edo South, it prompts us to consider the potential influence of Edo North, with its larger population and its own share of residents in Edo South. Consequently, it becomes evident that Edo Central does not hold a monopoly on migration to Edo South.

Let's consider it from a different perspective. Edo South, with its major urban centers such as Egor, Ikpoba Okha, Oredo, and Orhionmwon, represents the main vibrant towns in the region. Consequently, it is often assumed that the Ishans are concentrated there. However, it raises questions: Are they equally populated in Ovia North or Edo North?

Now consider this: if the least populous tribe in Edo State, the Ishans, can accumulate a sizable following in Edo South, what kind of following could Edo North, with its greater population, amass in Edo South?

Amusingly, diverse individuals can be found everywhere. Whether you accept it or not, the population of Edo North surpasses that of the Esans in Edo South, including Benin City and its surrounding areas. Now, I challenge you to assert if the Benins are equally populous in Edo North.

Applying common sense, if we assert that Esans are highly populated in Edo South, it logically follows that the people of Edo North hold the distinction of being the most populous in Edo State.

This conclusion is supported by the fact that a significant number of immigrants from both Edo North and Edo Central reside in Edo South, while comparatively fewer immigrants from Edo South and Edo Central settle in Edo North.

"Make we put dis argument aside for anoda day. My aim na just to silence all those people wey dey talk say Edo Central people plenty well well  for Benin Metropolis . Make we silence dem sharp-sharp before dem come dey vex dem hosts.

As I conclude, I leave you with this nugget of wisdom: Entitlement carries inherent risks when a region pursues political entitlement.

It can result in detrimental consequences such as strained relationships, diminished accountability, compromised performance, decreased empathy, hindered personal growth, heightened social tension, and perpetuation of inequality.

Osigwe Omo-Ikirodah is the chairman and CEO of Bush Radio Academy.

https://ireporteronline.com.ng/blog/entitlement-and-its-pitfalls-the-dangers-of-political-entitlement-in-edo-state-insights-from-the-esan-perspective/
Source iReporteronline.

My stand on this is simple, NO to zoning. Have people not suffered enough? When will we start to favour competence and merit, ove ethnicity? I've got no problem whatsoever if the next Edo governor is Esan, but it should be because he/she is the best for the job, not because it was zoned to them.
Delta state has been doing zoning, how has it benefited them? The state is a mess despite its massive wealth.
Please let us evolve our thinking.

bjdon:
My stand on this is simple, NO to zoning. Have people not suffered enough? When will we start to favour competence and merit, ove ethnicity? I've got no problem whatsoever if the next Edo governor is Esan, but it should be because he/she is the best for the job, not because it was zoned to them.
Delta state has been doing zoning, how has it benefited them? The state is a mess despite its massive wealth.
Please let us evolve our thinking.

Yeah zoning should not be an option in state politics. Competence should rather be.

This wasn't the case when it was zone to Edo north and and South, the moment it gets to Edo central the narative changes as if Edo south and north is the only place we find competence. Well meaning sons and daughters of Bini who stand for equity has already joined the agenda, Obaseki has been there for 8 years it can't be a benin man again, Shaibu and Clem Agba are only joking as the Binis woul decide

bjdon:
My stand on this is simple, NO to zoning. Have people not suffered enough? When will we start to favour competence and merit, ove ethnicity? I've got no problem whatsoever if the next Edo governor is Esan, but it should be because he/she is the best for the job, not because it was zoned to them.
Delta state has been doing zoning, how has it benefited them? The state is a mess despite its massive wealth.
Please let us evolve our thinking.

EDO NORTH SHOULD NEVER THINK THEY ARE MORE RELEVANT IN EDO STATE THAN THE EDO CENTRAL.

I HAVE CONCLUDED THAT THE GOVERNORSHIP IN "EDO 2024" SHOULD GO TO EDO CENTRAL FOR PEACE SAKE.

THE ESANS PEOPLE WILL BRING THEIR BEST CANDIDATE AND WE WILL VOTE FOR ONE, SIMPLE.

bjdon:
My stand on this is simple, NO to zoning. Have people not suffered enough? When will we start to favour competence and merit, ove ethnicity? I've got no problem whatsoever if the next Edo governor is Esan, but it should be because he/she is the best for the job, not because it was zoned to them.
Delta state has been doing zoning, how has it benefited them? The state is a mess despite its massive wealth.
Please let us evolve our thinking.

Delta state is not different from other states that are not zoning. For peace to continue in Edo just zone. Find the best from that ZONE, simple.

The right thing must be done
Ishan or no election

Lol, op and propaganda

Nobody has entitlement mentality here, if they did they wouldn't be working side by side the other zones to bring in theirs.

I guess the same Binis and Afemais who are asking it goes to Edo central are also doing it cos of entitlement mentality.

Take your Ej money abi oshomole money and shove it

limeta:
The right thing must be done
Ishan or no election

don't fall for op propaganda

He is looking for divide and rule tactics, because this way Edo is speaking with one voice baffles him

blocksy007:
Delta state is not different from other states that are not zoning. For peace to continue in Edo just zone. Find the best from that ZONE, simple.

True

But pls let's be guided, it's not a war at all, don't allow op arm twist it

We are together on this