From Moshood Karim
A coalition of socio-cultural groups under the aegis of the Akoko-Edo and Owan Alliance has called for the zoning of the 2027 Edo North Senatorial seat to either Akoko-Edo or Owan federal constituencies, citing decades of political marginalisation by the Etsako bloc.
In a press statement jointly signed by Elder Steve Imoudu and others, and made available to journalists in Benin, the group lamented the historical sidelining of the two constituencies in the distribution of political representation and developmental opportunities within Edo North Senatorial District.
Despite what the alliance described as significant electoral contributions and a substantial population base, the group said that Akoko-Edo and Owan have received little in return, with the Etsako ethnic group dominating political appointments and elective positions.
“This press conference is a bold statement of our opposition to the continued marginalisation of Akoko-Edo and Owan,” the statement read. “We are coming together in unity of purpose to address this injustice and to assert our collective vision as two of the three sub-ethnic groups within Edo North.”
The alliance cited the current imbalance in Senate representation, pointing out that since 1960, Akoko-Edo and Owan have only occupied the senatorial seat for four years each, while Etsako has held it for the majority of the time. Historical figures listed included Senators John Umolu, Franca Afegbua, Victor Oyofo, Francis Alimikhena and Adams Oshiomhole – all from Etsako – with only Senators Yisa Braimoh (Owan) and Domingo Obende (Akoko-Edo) representing the other blocs.
“This is evidently unjust, and it is fast becoming an act of fraternal betrayal within the Afemai ethnic umbrella,” the group noted. “This was not the vision of our forefathers when they championed the unity of Afemai.”
According to the alliance, beyond the Senate, the imbalance extends to other positions of influence, with Etsako producing a governor for eight years, a deputy governor for 15 years, a minister, ambassador, presidential aide, and heads of key federal agencies since 1999. They also expressed discontent over the recent appointment of three Etsako indigenes as representatives of Edo North in the Governing Council of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma.
The group argued that, given their verifiable voting strength of over 324,000 and a population of more than 2.5 million, Akoko-Edo and Owan deserve at least 25 percent representation in both elective and appointive roles at the state and federal levels.
They further pointed out that the two constituencies contributed significantly to the victory of Governor Okpebholo in the September 2024 election and should therefore benefit from the ensuing political dividends.
“The major political parties must act now to correct this imbalance,” the group urged. “The 2027 Edo North senatorial slot must be zoned to either Akoko-Edo or Owan. Equity, fairness and justice demand it.”
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