The Benin Consultative Forum (BCF) has congratulated His Royal Majesty, the Oba of Benin, on the occasion of the 10th Year Coronation Anniversary of His Royal Majesty.
The Forum noted that the 10 years reign of His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II, CFR, has brought peace, development and renewed global respect to the great Benin Kingdom, describing the Oba as a symbol of unity and cultural pride.
The BCF further observed that under the reign of Oba Ewuare II, the Benin Kingdom has witnessed remarkable strides in cultural revival, international recognition.
BCF wishes His Royal Majesty more years of impactful reign on the throne of his forebears and prayed God to grant the revered King wisdom and good health.
Oba Gha To Kpere… Iseee!!!
Signed Rt. Hon. Samson R Osagie Acting President, For:BCF
Ex Attorney General of Edo State and former Minority Whip of the House of Representatives, Dr. Samson Osagie, has congratulated His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II, CFR, the Oba of Benin, on the occasion of his 10th coronation anniversary.
Dr. Osagie, in a congratulatory message, thanked the Almighty God for blessing the Benin Kingdom with Oba Ewuare II, noting that his reign has ushered into the Kingdom a new lease of life characterized by positive traditional reforms that will further consolidate the global respect for the Kingdom of Benin.
According to him, the unprecedented number of artefacts returned from various parts of the world since the enthronement of His Royal Majesty is an attestation to the greatness of the Oba.
As the revered monarch marks ten years on the throne, Dr. Samson Osagie prayed God to continue to grant His Royal Majesty wisdom and strength of character to lead the Kingdom to greater exploits and prominence in the comity of nations.
Edo State’s drive for affordable transportation and women empowerment received a major boost on Thursday as Nigerian’s first Lady,Senator Oluremi Tinubu commissioned 50 CNG buses and flagged off a N1 billion support programme for 5,000 women in the state.
The event, held in Benin City, is part of activities marking the First Lady’s official visit to Edo.
Speaking at the ceremony, Senator Tinubu said the two initiatives would ease mobility, strengthen small businesses and create more economic opportunities for women, youths and vulnerable groups.
She commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for his people-centred leadership, noting that the projects demonstrated his commitment to improving livelihoods and driving inclusive growth in the state.
“I am glad to be in Edo today after quite a long time for the commissioning of 50 compressed natural gas buses for the benefit of the people,” she said.
On the empowerment programme under her Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), she said each of the 5,000 beneficiaries will receive N200,000 to grow their businesses and achieve financial independence.
“I pray that the monies received will prosper in your hands and grow your businesses,” she added.
Earlier in his welcome address, Governor Okpebholo described the First Lady’s visit as beyond ceremonial, saying it reflects care, compassion and genuine commitment to the welfare of Edo people.
“Your visit is not just a ceremonial engagement. It is a demonstration of care, compassion and our commitment to the growth of our people,” the governor said.
Okpebholo explained that the initiatives tackle two pressing needs: affordable, efficient transportation and economic support for women and small business owners.
According to him, the CNG buses will make public transportation more accessible, affordable, efficient and environmentally friendly across Benin City and beyond.
“When you empower a woman, you strengthen a family, uplift a community and contribute to the prosperity of society,” he noted.
The governor also thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his leadership and continued support for Edo State, pledging his administration’s loyalty to the President and the All Progressives Congress (APC).
He reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to ensure good governance reaches every home.
“Our commitment is to build an Edo State where good governance is felt in every home, opportunities are within the reach of every citizen, and no community is left behind,” he added.
The colourful ceremony was attended by traditional rulers, APC leaders and other dignitaries. Beneficiaries, who were visibly elated, expressed gratitude to the First Lady and Governor Okpebholo, pledging to judiciously utilize the support to grow their businesses.
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, on Friday received the remains of Chief Dan Orbih at the Benin Airport.
Chief Orbih, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Chairman of the Governing Council of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, died on August 31, 2026, at the age of 64.
His remains arrived at the airport at about 9:55 a.m. and were received by Governor Okpebholo, accompanied by the Secretary to the State Government and other top government officials.
The Governor led family members and political associates in a motorcade from the airport to Orbih’s Benin residence, where a brief lying-in-state ceremony was held
Speaking at the residence, Governor Okpebholo described Orbih’s death as a great loss to Edo State, saying the deceased was more than a political associate.
“He was a brother,” the Governor said.
“At times like this, when the loss is difficult to bear, we can only turn to God for comfort and strength. I pray that God will give us all the courage and fortitude to bear this great loss. I also pray that God will protect the family, strengthen them during this difficult period and provide them with the grace to carry on.” He also added
Officiating priest, Rev. Fr. Palmer Ikponmwosa, in his tribute, described Orbih as a colossus of Edo politics, a master tactician, leader and kingmaker.
Other political leaders, including PDP chieftain Chief Pascal Ugbome and APC chieftain Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, also paid glowing tributes, describing him as courageous, generous and compassionate.
Chief Orbih was former Chairman of the PDP in Edo State and former National Vice Chairman, South-South of the party.
As announced by the family, the final rites, which commenced in Abuja on Wednesday with a Requiem Mass and Night of Tributes at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, will continue in his hometown, Ogbona, Etsako Central Local Government Area.
According to the funeral programme, a Vigil Mass will hold today, Friday, October 9, at St. John’s Catholic Church, Ogbona by 4:00 p.m.
A Funeral Mass will follow on Saturday, October 10, at 10:00 a.m. at the same venue, with interment at his country home immediately after.
The obsequies will be rounded off on Sunday, October 11, with a Thanksgiving Mass at St. John’s Catholic Church, Ogbona by 10:00 a.m.
A Special High Court sitting in Benin has convicted and sentenced four men to death for kidnapping and other related offences.
The convicts, Marvellous Isaac, Wisdom Michael, Rufus Emete Michael and Gift Raphael, were found guilty of kidnapping a woman at the Vegetable Market along Airport Road, Benin City
They were tried on an 11-count charge bordering on kidnapping, conspiracy, armed robbery, cultism and unlawful possession of firearms. The judgment, delivered on Tuesday, is the maiden judgment of the Special Criminal Court on kidnapping.
Delivering the judgement, Justice Aigbona Momodu said the law left him with no discretion in imposing the prescribed sentences.
“My hands are tied under the law. I wish the law would permit me to exercise my discretion. I would have, but my hands are tied. I will just impose the sentence as prescribed by the law,” the judge said.
Justice Momodu sentenced Isaac to seven years imprisonment on count one, death by hanging or lethal injection on counts two to nine, 10 years imprisonment on count 10 and life imprisonment on count 11.
Wisdom Michael bagged 7 years on count one and death on counts two to nine; Rufus Emete Michael, 7 years on count one and death on counts two, three, four, six and seven; while Gift Raphael got 7 years on count one and death on counts two, four, six and eight.
The court also ordered the confiscation of a JoJef pump-action firearm and four cartridges tendered as exhibits.
The Edo State Consumer Protection Committee has said it will today, Tuesday, 22nd September, 2026, begin full enforcement of the ban on sachet alcoholic drinks across the state.
The disclosure was contained in a statement issued by its Chairman, Mr. Iyamu Osaro Culture.
The Committee said the grace period granted to traders to sell off existing stocks of sachet gin and alcoholic Agbo expired on Saturday, 20th September, 2026.
According to the statement titled BAN ON SACHET GIN: GRACE PERIOD ELAPSES, ENFORCEMENT BEGINS ON TUESDAY, 22ND SEPTEMBER, 2026, enforcement teams will move into markets and communities in Benin, Auchi, Ekpoma and other parts of the state from today.
The Committee warned that anyone caught selling, hawking or hoarding sachet gin below 200ml will be made to pay a prescribed fine into the Edo State Government Single Account, while the products will be seized and confiscated.
“This announcement is to prepare the minds of the public ahead of our operation,” the statement read, urging traders and consumers to comply in their own interest.
The ban on sachet alcohol was first introduced by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in 2018 to curb rising drug abuse among underage children and commercial drivers, as the products were easily accessible and concealable.
Chief Daniel Osi Orbih, a scion of the Legendary Chief MCK Orbih political dynasty from Ogbonna, in the heartland of the Afemai nation, Edo State, was a n undeniable titan in Nigerian politics, whose strategic brilliance and unwavering leadership shaped the political landscape of Edo State and the South-South geopolitical zone for over two decades.
Fondly nicknamed, the Kulukulu 1 of Africa, he was reputed for his courageous but calm disposition, tactical mastery, and capacity to build formidable coalitions. Orbih, indeed bestrode the political Nigerian political landscape like the colossus he is.
His death on August 31, 2026, at a middle age of 64, marked the end of an era and the fall of one of the biggest trees in the political forest of Edo State.He was a great Leader
In a significant development that promises to revolutionize the education sector in Edo State, the state government has reaffirmed its commitment to excellence in education. The Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Samson Osagie, made this known during a courtesy visit by the Directorate of Education Quality and Accountability, led by Director General Dr. Amen Ogbemudia Uhunmwangho and Management Staff of the Directorate to the Ministry of Justice.
According to Dr. Osagie, the Governor Monday Okpebholo-led state government is dedicated to repositioning every sector in the state, including education. He expressed the Ministry of Justice’s readiness to partner with various sectors to promote good governance and noted that the present government is committed to excellence.
As the bedrock of societal development, education has received significant boosts under the present administration. Dr. Osagie lauded the government’s infrastructural reforms and pledged commitment to ensuring that the Directorate of Quality Assurance receives necessary support and partnership to function optimally.
The Directorate of Education Quality and Accountability, which is responsible for ensuring that standards are maintained in the state’s education sector, has been working tirelessly to enhance transparency, standards, and service delivery across basic and post-basic education levels.
During the visit, Dr. Uhunmwangho highlighted the Directorate’s activities, including staff engagements, and requested the Attorney General’s assistance in providing the necessary legal and structural framework for the Directorate’s operations.
The proposed partnership between the Ministry of Justice and the Directorate of Education Quality and Accountability is expected to yield positive outcomes for Edo State’s education sector, benefiting students, teachers, and the broader community.
As Edo State embarks on this new journey towards educational excellence, stakeholders are optimistic about the prospects of a brighter future for the state’s education sector. With the government’s commitment to excellence and the proposed partnership between the Ministry of Justice and the Directorate of Education Quality and Accountability, it is expected that the state’s education sector will experience a significant transformation.
This development is a welcome move for the state, and it remains to be seen how this partnership will shape the future of education in Edo State. One thing is certain, however: the state’s education sector is poised for a new era of excellence and growth.
Clementina Agweda Public Relations Officer, Office of the Hon. Attorney General and Commisioner for Justice, Edo State
The Edo State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Samson Osagie, has called on lawyers in Benin to support the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo by contributing to the delivery of justice and governance in the state.
Speaking at the June edition of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) monthly meeting in Benin City, Osagie urged legal practitioners to focus on defending their clients in court rather than lobbying for withdrawal of charges.
He emphasized that the Department of Public Prosecution (DPP) reviews cases strictly based on evidence, not personal influence or pressure.
The Attorney General also addressed recent allegations on social media alleging that himself and a Supreme Court Justice met secretly to influence the outcome of the Edo governorship election appeal at the Supreme Court, describing the claims as “wicked, malicious, and unpatriotic”. He clarified that the Justice visited Benin for a private social event and that no such meeting took place.
Osagie praised Governor Okpebholo for his leadership and transparency and urged the NBA to continue supporting the administration’s efforts toward practical and effective governance.
He concluded by charging lawyers to use the law as a tool for social engineering and development, not personal or political attack, reaffirming the need for professionalism, rule of law, and collective resolutions on critical matters affecting the legal community.
In their separate remarks, Idemudia Osifo Esq., Chairman of the NBA Benin Branch, and David Maduku, former Secretary of the NBA Benin Branch, lauded the Attorney General for hosting them and for always identifying with them.
Clementina Agweda Public Relations Officer,Office of the Hon.Attorney General and Commisioner for Justice,Edo State.
We have taken note of the recent statement by the Edo Civil Society Organisations (EDOCSO) commending the Edo State Ministry of Justice, through the Department of Public Prosecution (DPP), for its legal opinion on certain cases relating to individuals previously accused of serious crimes.
While we appreciate civil society’s commitment to justice and advocacy, it is important to clarify the following:
The Ministry of Justice is Not a Subsidiary of EDOCSO or Any CSO The Ministry of Justice operates as a constitutionally empowered institution, guided strictly by the principles of law, due process, and professional discretion. It does not act on the prompting, endorsement, or expectations of any civil society organisation. Our actions are based solely on the law and the public interest.
Carrying Out Statutory Duties Does Not Warrant Public Praise The actions of the Ministry in this regard are part of its routine, constitutionally mandated responsibilities. The release of persons where there is insufficient evidence is not an exceptional gesture, nor is it influenced by the advocacy of any group. It is a demonstration of our disciplined commitment to legal and ethical obligations. Public commendation for performing regular statutory duties may inadvertently portray justice as a matter of goodwill rather than governance.
The Dangers of Misplaced Narratives While well-meaning, EDOCSO’s tone and framing may unintentionally create a narrative that undermines the independence and institutional integrity of the Ministry. Public institutions must not be seen as acting under pressure or external influence. Such narratives risk distorting public understanding and eroding trust in the justice system.
Our Work Is Rooted in Objectivity, Not Activism The Ministry of Justice remains unwavering in its commitment to justice, equity, and fairness. While collaboration with civil society is encouraged and valued, it must be clearly understood that the Ministry’s decisions are grounded in evidence, law, and constitutional responsibility, not public opinion or activism.
The Role of the Police Must Be Understood and Respected The Nigeria Police Force is an integral part of the criminal justice system. The police have the constitutional mandate to arrest and investigate. It is then the responsibility of the Department of Public Prosecution (DPP) to review evidence and determine whether a matter merits prosecution in court. This separation of duties ensures checks and balances in our system. The police should not be vilified or victimized for fulfilling their investigative role. Any concerns about arrests or charges must be addressed within the framework of the law, not through public scapegoating.
In conclusion, we reiterate that the Edo State Ministry of Justice is an impartial institution, guided solely by the rule of law and public interest. While we acknowledge the vigilance of civil society, we caution against narratives that may misrepresent the independence, professionalism, and constitutional roles of the justice system and its actors.
Clementina Agweda Public Relations Officer Office of the Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Edo State 16th June, 2025
