By DADA AYOKHAI
Marvellous Omobayo, the former Deputy Governor of Edo State has expressed dismay over the worsening marginalization of Akoko Edo.
He made this statement while hosting PDP delegates and members of the Marvellous Omobayo Movement at his country home in Lamkpese-Okpameri, Akoko Edo on July 19, 2025.
The PDP delegates not fewer than 200 and the Omobayo movement were at the Omobayo’s Compound at Lamkpese-Okpameri on Saturday 19th July, 2025 to re-evaluate the state of the PDP and Omobayo’s Movement in the local government area.
The ‘Delegates Assembly,’ which coincided with the 39th birthday of the maverick politician, High Chief Marvellous Godwins Omobayo who holds the title of Ogbokpokponase Gbaragada One of Akoko Edo, bubbled with the presence of Akoko Edo top PDP leaders and members of the Marvellous Movement.
Omobayo lamented the reversal and violation of democratic principles and tenets in Nigeria and Africa, submitting that “Democracy, as designed, ought to be the BEST App for governance. But the reverse is the case in Nigeria.”
While thanking the PDP for making history by appointing him, a non-party member, as Deputy Governor on 8th April, 2024, Omobayo stated that former Governor Obaseki did his best for Edo, laying some solid foundations that the incumbent APC government could improve or build on.
He further stated that he believe that the PDP fielded the best candidates in the duo of Barristers Asue Ighodalo and Osarodion Ogie, and that the popular belief is that they won the election.
However, INEC and the Courts at all levels have insisted and adjudicated that APC won the election. “This development,” he said, “is fait accompli, a fated irreversibility.
He also bemoaned the persistent Marginalization of Akoko Edo, recalling that Akoko Edo is the oldest and most marginalised LGA in Africa, which has remained one entity since its creation in the early 20th century by the colonial masters, while other districts which were earlier one district like Akoko Edo have been divided into several LGAs in Edo and other States.
Chief Omobayo then averred that the de-marginalisation and advancement of Akoko Edo in particular and Nigeria in general remains his political party.
He urged Akoko Edo people to wholeheartedly support the Okpebholo’s government to attract the ‘dividends of democracy’s to the neglected area, as there is no other option.
The former Deputy Governor took time to reinvigorate his teeming followers in Akoko Edo with courage, reminding them that “power is not handed to anybody on a platter of complaints and bellyaching. “We have to stop feeling like a conquered people and come out boldly to contend for political power with neighbouring local government areas.
We can also be senators, governors, speakers, ministers, among others. But we must rise to face the challenge. Nobody will just give you power because you want it.”
In the same vein, Chief Omobayo urged Nigerians to eschew bitter party politics and partisan fundamentalism in order to save Nigeria now beset with unimaginable socio-economic and political predicaments caused by successive mismanagements over time.
Many party and movement leaders addressed the gathering one after another and the peak of events was the chanting of solidarity songs and reassurances of loyalty to the Omobayo’s Movement in Akoko Edo.
Omobayo Laments Akoko Edo’s Marginalization, Urges Support for Okpebholo
