EDO STATE

The 1992 gubernatorial election, pitting John Odigie Oyegun (the SDP candidate) against Lucky Igbinedion (the NRC candidate) was annulled on 4 February of that year by the electoral tribunal. Among Igbinedion's claims were that the Oba of Benin and one of his chiefs, Nosakhare Isekhure, unfairly supported Oyegun. Oyegun's victory was upheld on 18 March 1992.
On 20 March 2008, an election tribunal nullified the election of Oserheimen Osunbor People's Democratic Party,(PDP) and declared erstwhile labour leader Comrade Adams Oshiomhole of the Action Congress as the winner. The decision was based on several voting irregularities.
Oshiomhole was voted for a second term in 2012.

 NOTABLE PEOPLE IN EDO STATE.

Professor Ambrose Alli, Former governor of the defunct Bendel State. He created the Bendel State University now named after him.
Chief D.N. Oronsaye, prominent politician instrumental in creation of Midwest region and junior Minister of Finance
Jacob U. Egharevba, a Bini historian and traditional chief
Samuel Ogbemudia, former governor of the Midwest region of Nigeria and later Bendel state
Chief Anthony Enahoro, prominent anti-colonial and pro-democracy activist and politician
Dr. G.Sam Edo, Ph.D - Cyber Security Expert and an adjunct professor at Northeastern University, Boston, Ma
Emmanuel Emovon,- first Nigerian Ph.D. in chemistry and former Minister of Science and Technology of Nigeria
Festus Iyayi,- novelist and first African to win the Commonwealth Writers Prize
Odia Ofeimun, -poet and former president of the Association of Nigerian Authors
Tiamiyu Bello-Osagie, medical practitioner and long-running gynaecologist to several first families of Nigeria
Abel Guobadia, -educator and former Nigerian ambassador to the Republic of Korea
Victor Uwaifo, -musician
Sonny Okosun,- musician
Felix Idubor, -artist
Festus Idehen, -sculptor
Erhabor Emokpae, -painter, sculptor, and graphic designer
Solomon Irein-Wangboje, painter
Ben Osawe, -sculptor
Dominic Osaghae,- Medical Doctor, former National Chairman, Nigerian Medical Association
Festus Ezeli,- basketball player with the Golden State Warriors
Dr. Tunde Obanor,- Distinguished Medical Practitioner, Activist
Modupe Ozolua,- Body Enhancement and Reconstructive Surgery
Cliff Ogiugo, Artist,-Cartoonist (Creator of Little Joe character)
Chief Tony Anenih,- Chairman Board of trustee (PDP) Once Minister of Work.
Dr Tonnie Iredia, -former Director-General of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA)
Rawlings Ogedegbe, -Prominent Politician And Good Will Ambassador
Charles Osasere Omere,- Legal Practitioner and Social Commentator
Vice Admiral Mike Akhigbe,- former chief of naval staff and vice president of Nigeria
Vice Admiral Augustus Aikhomu,- former chief of naval and vice president of Nigeria
Mike Ozekhome, -Legal practitioner, politician and human rights activist
Gabriel Igbenedion, -foremost and international business mogul and bini high chief
Raymond Dokpesi,- owner of Africa largest private television network and politician
Grace Egbagbe,- former director of Nigerian Television Authority.

OF BENIN.

The Oba of Benin,Omo N'Oba,N'Edo Uku Akpolokplolo is the king of Benin Kingdom, Oba Erediauwa, the reigning Oba of Benin is a leader with a charming personality and background. Oba Erediauwa is the mature fruit of the seed his grandfather Eweka II, planted and nurtured by his father Akenzua II. Hence, a new Oba, groomed and well-equipped, steeped in the culture, norms and traditions of the old Benin Kingdom, but prepared for Nigeria of the 80s and beyond! The six-footer Oba was born in 1923, and he graduated with a B.A. (Tripos) in law at Kings College, Cambridge, England. Prior to his ascension to the throne, he served in several top Federal (national) public service positions in different parts of Nigeria such as Lagos, Enugu, and Ahoada.

During the Nigerian civil war, the Oba in his capacity as Permanent Secretary (Political) participated in the "Aburi" talks which were aimed at resolving the crisis. While he was a Crown Prince and Edaiken, he had gained administrative experience by working in local government, Oba Erediauwa, after the most qualitative education in England's prestigious Cambridge University as an historian, lawyer and an administrator, worked and rose to the very top of both the Regional and Federal Civil Service. He knew, worked with, and advised all the Military heads of state, as well as the potential leaders that would eventually emerge with civilian government.

Oba Erediauwa was crowned on March 23, 1979, as the 38th Oba of Benin. Oba Erediauwa, like his father Oba Akenzua II, and his grandfather Oba Eweka II, ascended the throne of the Benin Kingdom in the throes of impending and profound political changes and re-orientation in Nigeria.

Oba Erediauwa's era has witnessed tremendous intellectual, cultural, social, and economic growth. Dynamism is one of his chief assets because he has succeeded in maintaining and improving the role of the Edo monarchy in the face of massive modernization onslaughts from varied sources. His mother Iyoba ne ovbi Erua is alive and dwells in her palace at Lower Uselu. As crowned prince, he was Prince Solomon Aisiokhuoba Igbinoghodua Akenzua. But he was crowned as Oba Erediauwa. It was as part of the rites of ascendancy to the revered Benin throne that he got the title “Erediauwa,” interpreted to symbolically mean “one who has come to put the house or society in order.”

The Omo N’Oba is seen as a quintessential icon of royalty and splendour. During the 30 years of his charismatic reign, the Benin kingdom has remained unified, peaceful and has witnessed expansion. This is attributed to his large and stately personality and the handling of issues before him with a rarity of wisdom.

Crown prince Solomon Akenzua ascended the throne with the title Oba Erediauwa. Before his ascension to throne the attended, many schools and Cambridge University London. He also held many governmental posts at state and federal levels

He modernized the palace courtyard and created many Enigie (chiefs) to help administer various parts of the kingdom.

One of the most respected Africa monarch. An author, his high educational background help bring to light the correct history of Edo people and the ancient Benin Empire, one of Africa oldest kingdom.

APCSpain