Embracing a New Era:Why Esan Should Dissociate from “Edo no be Lagos” and Embrace “Esan wan be Lagos

Embracing a New Era:Why Esan Should Dissociate from “Edo no be Lagos” and Embrace “Esan wan be Lagos

By Adolphus Arebanmhen Aletor

The 2020 Edo state governorship election was marked by a controversial statement that has had far-reaching consequences for the people of Esan. The derogatory phrase “Edo no be Lagos” was used to mock the then APC leader now president of the federal republic of Nigeria, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which ultimately contributed to the party’s loss in the election. It was a mantra that united the whole of Edo state against what was perceived to be an undue influence by a god father advising Edo citizens to vote against Mr Godwin Obaseki who had defected from the APC to the PDP even as a sitting Governor when he ran for his second term.

The message came at a time when the Edos, who detested what they perceive as godfatherism, were at the point where they had gotten themselves free. Unfortunately, this loss has led to infrastructural neglect in Edo state, with Esan bearing the brunt of the federal government’s displeasure.

In the context of this statement, Lagos symbolizes development, federal attention, progress, political stability, continuity in governance, political mentorship, political godfatherism, and respect for political leaders. It represents the prosperity, infrastructure, and prioritization that Edo state and Esan region in particular aspire to achieve.