A Call to Stand for The Soul of Edo South: Against Imposition, Short-Term Gains, And The Sale of Our Heritage

By Comrade Ikhuenbor Felix Igbinevbo (Mr Figo)

To everyone who has reached out to me, advising me to back out of this struggle because of my relationship with the Governor, I hear you.

Some have said I may lose everything by taking this stand, and that it would be better for me to align fully than to stand against what is perceived as the wish of leadership. But like Apostle Paul said in Acts 21:13 — “Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” — I have made my decision.

Let it be clear: I am not fighting the Governor. I respect the office and the person of the Governor. My stand is against imposition and every process that undermines fairness, inclusion, and the voice of the people.

I am a proud Benin man, and I stand to protect the dignity of my heritage and the collective identity of Edo South. My concern is simple but very critical: leadership must emerge through genuine acceptance of the people, not through imposition, manipulation, or exclusion.

I must also clarify my initial silence. The only reason I was watching without openly taking sides was because I had questions in my mind. I thought Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu might just be participating for political settlement or negotiation — that perhaps he was not fully committed to the race, or that there could be an arrangement behind the scenes leading to withdrawal after compensation or political settlement.

But as I observed closely and critically, I realized otherwise. I saw clearly that he is not in this race for personal enrichment or political settlement. He is in this race with a defined conviction to defend Edo South, to protect the voice of the Benin people, and to resist every form of injustice, suppression, and political marginalization. His stand, as I came to understand, is rooted in the refusal to allow Edo South to be treated as a political afterthought or “gifted out” through imposed representation.

Once I reached that understanding, my decision became unavoidable. I had to choose between political convenience and principle. Between personal advantage and the responsibility I owe to my people.

I chose my heritage. I chose Edo South. I chose principle over patronage.

And I now call on everyone who still believes in justice, fairness, and the dignity of our people to take a stand for something that is worthy. Let us not be carried away by temporary benefits that blind us to long-term consequences. Let us be careful of what can be described as “Greek gifts” — things that appear beneficial today but may cost us our identity, voice, and future tomorrow.

History teaches us the danger of short-term thinking. Esau sold his birthright for a temporary meal, failing to recognize the weight of what he was losing in exchange for immediate satisfaction. In the same way, we must be careful not to trade our collective heritage, dignity, and political future for temporary gains, promises, or settlements.

This is why I stand firm. I stand for awareness. I stand for resistance against imposition. I stand for the protection of Edo South Senatorial District.

And I stand fully with Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu. I am supporting him whether he wins or loses during the primary election. Let his victory be my victory, and let his loss be my loss. This is a stand of conviction, not convenience.

If standing for this principle costs me my relationship with the Governor or any political advantage, I am prepared for that consequence. Because what matters most is not personal comfort, but the preservation of our identity, our voice, and the future of Edo South.

I stand against imposition. I stand against political manipulation. I stand for fairness. I stand for the people of Edo South.

Comrade Ikhuenbor Felix Igbinevbo (Mr Figo) writes from Idibo Village, Ohuan Ward, Uhunmwode Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria.