From Decorated General to Political Trailblazer: Major General Cecil Esekhaigbe’s Defining Role in Esan Politics

From Decorated General to Political Trailblazer: Major General Cecil Esekhaigbe’s Defining Role in Esan Politics

The story of  Major General Cecil Osolease Esekhaigbe (PhD, Rtd) stands at the crossroads of battlefield courage, academic excellence, and visionary statesmanship. Hailing from Irrua in Edo State’s Esan Central, he forged an outstanding career in the Nigerian Army—commanding key formations, pioneering innovative strategies, and earning honors that speak to both his leadership and his intellectual depth.

Upon hanging up his uniform, he embarked on an equally trailblazing political journey. Drawing on his rich military background and scholarly insights, he has driven transformative policies, galvanized grassroots engagement, and redefined the contours of political discourse in Esanland and beyond. His ongoing legacy inspires emerging leaders and underscores the power of marrying service with forward-thinking governance.

The Leap into Politics

On retirement, General Cecil sought counsel from his political mentor, Comrade Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole, who encouraged him to step into active politics. That singular advice marked the beginning of an extraordinary rise within the All Progressives Congress (APC).

By 2020, he had already carved his niche as Director General of the Edo Governorship Election, showcasing the same precision and strategy that defined his military years. Since then, his political trajectory has been nothing short of meteoric.

He played a decisive role in the emergence of Senator Monday Okpebholo as Edo Central’s voice in the Senate, as well as Prince Odi Okojie, who represents Esan North-East/Esan South-East Federal Constituency. His influence was again felt in the recent by-election that delivered Senator-elect Joseph Ikpea to succeed Governor Okpebholo in the national assembly  — a victory that cemented APC’s ruthless dominance in Edo Central.

The General Who Redefined Esan Politics

Today, General Cecil is recognized as the political leader of Edo Central, anchoring APC’s dominance in the district. His ability to galvanize grassroots support, negotiate political consensus, and drive the Renewed Hope Agenda into Esan land has made the APC the party to beat in the region.

The steadfast support of the Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, who leads the APC in the state, has significantly strengthened the party’s influence. In collaboration with other APC leaders in Edo Central, Major General Cecil Esekhaigbe has been instrumental in driving a political resurgence in the region, ensuring that the voice of the Esan people resonates powerfully in both state and national political arenas.

From defending Nigeria’s sovereignty on foreign soil, to defending her democracy at home, General Cecil’s journey is that of a man who has given all to service. Though his medals and academic laurels are many, what defines General Cecil today is not the stars on his shoulders but his ability to galvanize political momentum in Esan land. From Irrua to Uromi, from Ekpoma to Ubiaja, his name resonates as a rallying point for progressives who see in him the face of Esan’s political rebirth.

When I reached out to the media-shy General and astute political tactician to uncover the secret behind the recent senatorial landslide—where the party and its candidate won all 51 wards in Edo Central—he was elated. He humbly credited the resounding victory to the overwhelming love and support for the Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, saying it made the job remarkably easy.

“The people’s love for Senator Okpebholo was the real driving force,” he said. “With that kind of unity and trust, delivering 51 out of 51 wards wasn’t a struggle—it was a statement.”

Indeed, Major General Cecil Osolease Esekhaigbe has set a trailblazing standard — a General on the battlefield, a trailblazer in politics, and a torchbearer for Esan’s renewed hope.

Osigwe Omo-Ikirodah is the Principal and CEO of Bush Radio Academy.