By Prince Sunny Ebhojiaye
ESAN SOUTH EAST, EDO STATE — The Chairman of the Idumhun-Ose Sons and Daughters Community of God, Mr. Godwin Obabhu, has decried the worsening poverty in Esan Land, citing inadequate electricity supply and years of government neglect as key challenges facing Idumhun-Ose, Ibhiadan, and Emu communities in Edo State.
Speaking during the community’s August meeting on August 16, 2026, Obabhu accused electricity distribution companies of incompetence, saying their poor service continues to undermine economic growth across Esan territories.
He also alleged that political interference deprived Idumhun-Ose of solar lighting projects donated to the area. According to him, some individuals linked to politicians diverted the solar installations to their private homes and other communities, thereby sidelining Idumhun-Ose from benefiting from the dividends of democracy.
“After many years of abandonment by past administrations, we are calling on the Edo State Government and our hardworking Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, to intensify support for Idumhun-Ose,” Obabhu said.
“We need improved education, security, infrastructure, potable water, and stable electricity. Idumhun-Ose has outgrown its status as a village and deserves greater government attention.”
Obabhu appealed to government officials, private individuals, and friends of the community to support the development drive.
“We need the government to build more schools, provide boreholes and potable water, and construct a befitting town hall. I want Idumhun-Ose Community to continue to move forward and grow higher.”
Also speaking in an exclusive interview with City Express News, the community’s Chief Strategy Officer, Pastor Patrick Onolumonse, urged Governor Okpebholo and Senator Joseph Ijiagbe Ikpea to intervene in the areas of rural electrification, security, and water supply.
Onolumonse lamented the level of poverty in Esan South East, particularly in Emu and Ubiaja, and called on Idumhun-Ose indigenes to take the initiative while awaiting government assistance.
“Heaven helps those who help themselves,” he said. “As we wait on the government and individuals, let us begin to contribute funds among ourselves to kick-start these projects.”
Speaking in the same vein, an illustrious son of Idumhun-Ose and United Nations Ambassador of Peace, Barrister Dominic Ehimare, decried the unfortunate neglect of the entire Emu Kingdom by successive governments in Edo State.
He particularly lamented the abandonment of electricity supply in Emu Kingdom, which, he said, has been comatose for close to 20 years.
“The great people of Emu have, as a matter of patriotism, dedication, and love for Edo State, actively participated in every electioneering period in the state. Neglect as a payback is reprehensible and unfair to the good people of this Spartan community,” Ambassador Ehimare lamented.
- Ehimare also used the opportunity to appeal to the Governor of Edo State, His Excellency Senator Monday Okpebholo, to extend the dividends of democracy to Emu Kingdom.