87th Birthday Tribute To An Icon: Chief John Odigie-Oyegun—The ‘Rooster’ of Edo Land
MAY 2005 — MOTEL BENIN PLAZA: Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, Chairman Board of Trustees, Benin National Congress (middle) flanked by Comrade Orobosa Omo-Ojo JP (L) and Comrade Godwin Erhahon, former NUJ Chairman during a reception organised for Omo-Ojo by Benin National Congress, after he regained his freedom from the haters of free speech harrowing concentration camp.
By Comrade Orobosa Omo-Ojo JP
Chief John Odigie-Oyegun stands as the ultimate ‘Rooster’ of the Edo community, a fearless watchman, and a voice of uncompromising clarity who has guided his people through decades of socio-political transformation. As the first Executive Governor of Edo State and a legendary statesman, his lifetime of leadership embodies the very definition of a community guardian.
Today, Wednesday, August 12, 2026, the entire Edo Nation and indeed Nigeria stand in unison to celebrate a colossal figure of integrity, courage, and vision—Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, as he marks his majestic, glorious 87th birthday.
In our community, we affectionately and reverently refer to him as the “Rooster.” This title is not merely an accolade; it is an exact reflection of his character, his legacy, and his lifelong devotion to our people. The Early Riser of Progress. Like the rooster that heralds the dawn while others sleep, Chief Odigie-Oyegun has always been ahead of his time.
He broke records by becoming Nigeria’s youngest Federal Permanent Secretary at a time when the civil service required the sharpest of minds. He woke a generation up to the possibilities of technocratic excellence, setting a standard of governance that deviod of deviod of Kleptomania sickness. The diseases that gives politicians strong, uncontrollable urge to steal public money for the thrill or relief it brings to them.
Oyegun, the fearless watchman of Nigeria’s Democracy. When darkness threatened our democratic landscape during the military eras, Chief Odigie-Oyegun did not hide. Alongside other patriots in NADECO, he sounded the alarm, standing at the frontline to demand the restoration of civilian rule.
His voice has never wavered; whenever the political winds shift unpredictably, he stands firm, offering the clear, loud, and stabilizing counsel that protects the flock from missteps. The Proud Symbol of Edo Dignity A rooster commands its territory with an unmistakable dignity and vibrant pride.
As the first Executive Governor of our beloved Edo State and later as the foundational National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Odigie-Oyegun carried the name of Edo to the highest political tables with unblemished honor. He proved to the entire nation that politics can be conducted with principle, humility, and stoic discipline.
Our Prayer Today Chief, your presence remains our shield and your wisdom remains our compass.
As you turn 87 today, we pray that the Almighty God grants you continued robust health, unwavering strength, and the peace you have so selflessly given to your community.
Happy 87th Birthday to our Leader, our Elder Statesman, and the eternal Rooster of Edo Land!
Comrade OOrobosa Omo-Ojo JP, Publisher Midwest Herald; Founder Tribal Heritage Center, writes from Edo State.
