All posts by : Iconic News Team

Edo State Former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice ,Dr Samson Osagie has paid a heartfelt tribute to the Former Chairman of Orhionmwon and Uhunmwode Local Government Councils,Hon John Jesuorobo

The tribute reads:

The death of the former Chairman of Orhionmwon and Uhunmwode Local Government Councils, Hon John Jesuorobo jolted me with a huge sense of loss.
Although, he has been ill for quite some time, it was not the expectation that he will pass on at this time.

Hon John Jesuorobo was one of those who cut our political teeth at the dawn of the 4th Republic. A soft spoken and tireless politician, he was an epitome of humility and service.

Regrettably, within three decades of my incursion into active politics many of those we met in the trenches during the struggle to exit the military from governance have all gone to be with their maker. This is both instructive and a reminder that nothing last forever.

I will like to offer my sincere condolences to the family of late Pa John Jesuorobo and pray God to grant his soul eternal rest. Amen

Rt Hon Samson R Osagie,FICMC, Ph.D
11th April,2026

A legal dispute has emerged between two Edo State political figures following allegations of defamation and false representation.

The law firm of Hannibal Egbe Uwaifo, acting on behalf of Hon Billy Famous Adesuwa Osawaru, has issued a formal demand to Hon Patrick Asowieren. The demand calls for an immediate retraction and public apology over statements made on April 6, 2026.

The statements allegedly included assertions that Hon Osawaru was rusticated from the University of Benin, lacked academic qualifications, and was a native doctor.

Osawaru currently serves as Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Cooperation and Integration in Africa,and also represents Orhionmwon/Uhunmwode Federal Constituency.

Through his legal team, Osawaru strongly denied the allegations. The letter maintained that he holds a degree in Microbiology from the University of Benin.

It further stated that he has postgraduate qualifications in Business Administration from Schiller International University and Argosy University in the United States.

The lawyers argued that references to electoral qualification standards do not invalidate Osawaru’s credentials. They added that such references do not justify what they described as “slanderous attacks” on his character.

Currently,no public statement has been released by Asowieren concerning the allegations or the legal demand.

In commemoration of the 4th anniversary of the passing of Late Mrs. Olabisi Osagie, the BISAM Care Foundation is organizing its annual health and empowerment initiative to take place on April 30, 2026.

Venue for this year’s outreach is the Emotan Girls’ College, Benin City, the alma mater of Late Mrs Olabisi Amenze Osagie

Programme of activities includes free genotype tests, sickle cell education, HPV and cervical cancer prevention education as well as vaccination awareness. There will also be live testimonies and free welfare packs distribution

This year’s event is targeted at Secondary School girls and is hosted by Dr Samson R Osagie, Edo State Former Attorney General who is the Foundation’s President,and Lady Uyioghosa Osagie ,the Executive Director , in honour of their late wife and mother, Mrs. Olabisi Amenze Osagie (JP), who passed on April 10, 2022.

Edo State Former Attorney General, Dr Samson Osagie has commiserated with the Deputy Governor of Edo State Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa,over the passing of his mother.

In a condolence letter personally signed by him, the former Chief Law Officer of Edo State noted the late mother of the Deputy Governor , Madam Esther Imanguomwanruo Idahosa, lived an exemplary life worthy of emulators by all.

He prayed God to grant her soul eternal rest while wishing the deputy governor and every member of his family the fortitude to bear the loss.

Accept once more my sincere condolence,” the letter concluded.

By:Dr Patrick Akhere Ebojele

The Executive Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has called for unity, hope, and renewed faith among Christians in Edo State and across Nigeria as they celebrate Easter, marking the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

In his Easter message, the Governor described the season as a sacred period that embodies the virtues of sacrifice, love, hope, and redemption.

He urged Christians to reflect deeply on the teachings of Jesus Christ, whose life exemplified humility, selflessness, and strong faith.

Governor Okpebholo noted that Easter serves as a reminder of the triumph of light over darkness and life over death, encouraging citizens to remain hopeful and resilient in the face of present challenges.

He called on the people of Edo State to embrace unity, peace, and mutual respect, irrespective of religious or ethnic differences.

The Governor further reassured Edo residents of his administration’s commitment to delivering good governance, fostering economic growth, and improving the overall well-being of the people. He emphasized that the collective efforts of all citizens are essential in building a prosperous and secure Edo State.

He said, “Let this Easter season inspire us to renew our faith in God and in one another, as we work together towards a better future for our dear state,”

Governor Okpebholo also urged citizens to use the festive period to pray for sustained peace, progress, and development in Edo State and Nigeria as a whole, especially as the 2027 elections draw near.

He wished all Christians a joyful and peaceful Easter celebration.

Edo State Former Attorney General, Dr. Samson Osagie, has lauded Senator Adams Oshiomhole, representing Edo North District, on his 74th birthday.

In a statement personally signed by Dr. Osagie, he highlighted the Senator’s profound impact on Edo State and Nigeria, describing him as a leader of excellence.

Dr. Osagie noted that Senator Oshiomhole’s years in service have been remarkable, with his legacies speaking volumes about his dedication and commitment to public service and commended the Senator’s selfless contributions to the growth and development of Edo State and Nigeria as a whole.

“Sir, on a personal note, I note with gratitude your immeasurable support to my family and your kind support in the Federal House of Representatives,” the statement read.

The birthday felicitation highlights Senator Oshiomhole’s unwavering commitment to serving the people, making a lasting impact on many lives. As the Senator celebrates this 74th birthday, Dr. Osagie and his family extend their warmest wishes for a happy birthday and many more years of service.

Former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice,Edo State has sent tribute to his late Father ,Pa Imarhiagbe Agharese Ogbewe on the occasiona of his 11th year remembrance.of his death anniversary.The statement which reflects on his enduring legacy of hard work and community service, reads thus:

“Today, we remember our late Father Pa Samson Imarhiagbe Agharese Ogbewe, who passed away 11 years ago. Dad, your legacy of hard work and community service has continued to resonate with us, your children. You came, saw, and you conquered.

We can not but continue to miss your invaluable impact on our lives. We miss you, Baba, and all we can say is that we wish you continued rest in the bosom of the Almighty God. Adieu Daddy, till the resurrection day.”

Signed,
Rt Hon Samson R Osagie, PhD
For the Family

By:The Editor

The Edo State Ministry of Lands and Housing has taken a significant step towards effective land administration in Edo State by hosting a Stakeholders’ Policy Validation Workshop, a key component of Project SHINE, the state government’s ambitious agenda to transform Edo State. Project SHINE stands for Security, Healthcare, Infrastructure, Natural Resources and Food Security, and Education, with the Lands and Housing sector falling under Natural Resources.

In his keynote address, Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor emphasized the importance of the Land Administration Policy in enhancing effective service delivery and curbing issues like land grabbing and farmer-herder conflicts

Also, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon Musa Yakubu (JP) commended the ministry’s efforts, saying the policy would guide land administration and enhance housing accessibility.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Hon Vincent Uwadiae Esq, emphasized that the policy will support sustainable housing, improve access to affordable housing, and strengthen land tenure security.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Lands and Housing, Dr. (Mrs.) Joy Akhigbe noted that the final policy document will have far-reaching benefits for the state’s housing sector.

The Stakeholders’ Policy Validation Workshop is a major milestone in this effort, providing a platform for stakeholders to discuss and deliberate on the Land Administration Policy.

The event had a goodwill message from the representative of the Attorney General of the state, Professor Roland Otaru (SAN), and was attended by representatives from key stakeholders like Edo Civil Society Organization, the Nigerian Society of Engineers,delegates from various ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), underscoring the administration’s commitment to improving the lands and housing sector

The South South APC Support Group Leadership Caucus, Edo State Chapter, was recently inaugurated in Benin City. The event, officiated by Hon. Eugene Utubor, Special Adviser on Political Matters, Mobilization and Engagement to the Edo State Governor, drew a large crowd to the Festival Hall, Government House.

Utubor appreciated the group’s support for President Ahmed Bola Tinubu and Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration, saying their “New Edo Rising Agenda” has made a positive impact across the state. Hon. Ahmed Odolevbo Haruna, Chairman of the group, praised Governor Okpebholo’s leadership, describing it as a “government of the people, by the people, and for the people.” He pledged the group’s continued support.

The inauguration highlights the progress made by Governor Okpebholo’s administration in 16 months.

The management of Igbinedion Education Centre in Benin City, Edo State, has expelled two students, Dino Uyi and Choice Asoro, involved in a viral bullying video. The video showed the duo brutally attacking a fellow student, sparking widespread outrage.

The school condemned the behavior, citing its zero-tolerance policy towards bullying, cultism, intimidation, harassment, and violence. Esama of Benin, Sir Chief Dr Gabriel Igbinedion, also visited the school to condemned the incident.

The Edo State Police Command has urged the victim and his parents to come forward and file a formal complaint to enable a thorough investigation. The Edo State Ministry of Education has also condemned the incident in strong terms, promising to carry out strong investigations.

The incident highlights the need for parents, schools, and authorities to work together to tackle bullying and ensure a safe learning environment for all students.