As the sun rises on Friday, 8th August 2025, Senator Aisagbonriodion Matthew Urhoghide reaches the noble milestone of 70 years, a moment that calls not only for celebration but for deep reflection on a life faithfully dedicated to public service, truth, and the enduring pursuit of justice in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
Senator Neda Imasuen, representing Edo South Senatorial District, has paid glowing tribute to the elder statesman, describing him as “a man whose life reflects the truth in Socrates’ timeless words: ‘The unexamined life is not worth living.’” For decades, Urhoghide has not only examined life but has fully lived it — with purpose, conviction, and a stubborn faith in the power of democracy to transform lives.
His political journey began with youthful idealism, when he was elected President of the Students’ Union Government. That fire never dimmed. It evolved. It deepened. It carried him into the heart of national struggles, most notably as Director of Administration in the MKO Abiola Campaign Organisation under the banner of the Social Democratic Party (SDP). His role in that historic moment, the June 12, 1993 election, still hailed as Nigeria’s freest and fairest, was not just administrative, it was courageous. When that election was annulled, Urhoghide stood on the side of history, truth, and justice.
Senator Imasuen reflects on those years with emotion. “What distinguished Urhoghide then, as now, was not just his passion for the people but his absolute refusal to remain silent in the face of injustice. He is the very embodiment of Epicurus’ belief that ‘The misfortune of the wise is better than the prosperity of the fool.’ He chose the difficult path because it was the right one.”
His public journey continued with his appointment in 2013 as Chairman of the Management Board of the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife, a responsibility that demanded vision, discipline, and sacrifice. It was a national assignment that signalled his readiness for higher responsibilities, and soon enough, Edo people called him to the Senate.
Elected in 2015 to represent Edo South in the 8th Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Urhoghide brought his experience, depth, and humanity to the upper chamber. There, he distinguished himself as a voice of reason and principle. Even in the face of political intrigues and personal ambitions, including his spirited attempts to govern Edo State, he remained loyal to the people, always placing the collective interest above narrow gain.
As Senator Imasuen today occupies the same seat Urhoghide once held, he acknowledges the path that was laid before him. “I stand on the shoulders of giants,” Imasuen said. “Urhoghide is not just a former senator; he is a builder of democratic legacies, a man who offered his life in service, and did so with grace, discipline, and compassion.”
He adds: “As we celebrate him today, I pray for his good health, peace, enduring joy, and all-round divine goodness. His legacy will forever inspire those of us who believe that politics can still be noble.”
The rhythms of life, the highs and lows of public service, and the faith in a better Nigeria are all captured in the lyrics of Sonny Okosun, the late Edo-born music legend, who once sang: “Which way Nigeria? Which way to go?” Men like Urhoghide have shown the way — through courage, sacrifice, and an unwavering belief that Nigeria is worth fighting for.
At 70, Senator Aisagbonriodion Matthew Urhoghide stands as a monument of service and wisdom, not just to Edo people, but to a nation still navigating its democratic promise. His story is not just to be remembered, but to be emulated.
Happy Birthday, Senator Urhoghide.
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