𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐎𝐤𝐩𝐞𝐛𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐨... “𝐖𝐞 𝐀𝐫𝐞 𝐎𝐧𝐞,”. ... 𝐎𝐝𝐮𝐦𝐚 𝐎𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞, 𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐁𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐬

𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐎𝐤𝐩𝐞𝐛𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐨... “𝐖𝐞 𝐀𝐫𝐞 𝐎𝐧𝐞,”.         ... 𝐎𝐝𝐮𝐦𝐚 𝐎𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞, 𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐁𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐬, 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬

BENIN CITY — The Oduma of Uromi Kingdom, Chief Robert Okoinemen, has appealed to Esan political actors, opinion leaders and bloggers to close ranks and use their platforms to promote unity, peace and constructive engagements ahead of the forthcoming general election.

The revered traditional title holder expressed dismay over what he described as divisive online activities among some Esan bloggers, advising that internal disagreements should not be allowed to undermine the collective political interests of the Esan people.

Chief Okoinemen who urged Esan people to learn from the political experiences of the past and avoid repeating patterns of division that, in his view, have sometimes weakened the collective position of the people, also cautioned against the politics of “I don't want this one” or “I don't want that one,” stressing that political disagreements should not become permanent divisions among brothers and sisters.

“Esan have to learn from history. The idea of ‘I don't want this one’ or ‘I don't want that one’ should be discouraged. We are one.”

He recalled previous political experiences involving prominent Esan personalities, including the cases of Professor Ambrose Alli and Professor Osunbor, as examples from which the people should draw lessons about political unity and collective responsibility.

Chief Okoinemen further appealed to Esan people to support Governor Monday Okpebholo, particularly in the interest of political stability and the advancement of the collective aspirations of Edo State and Esanland.

He urged Esan bloggers who command significant influence across social-media platforms to redirect their energy toward constructive advocacy and public enlightenment.

“Our bloggers have a responsibility. Instead of using their platforms to attack the governor, let them use those platforms to support him, advise him constructively and promote the development of our people.”

According to him, supporting an Esan son in public office does not mean abandoning the right to ask questions or demand accountability.

Rather, he advocated an approach in which criticism is constructive, respectful and directed toward improving governance.

The Oduma of Uromi kingdom, maintained that Esan's political strength should be built around collective interest rather than personal preferences or disagreements among individuals.

“You can support your son and still advise him. You can support your son and still tell him where you believe he needs to improve. But attacking him every day will not build Esan.”

He therefore called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, political leaders, youth organizations, professionals and media practitioners to promote a political culture that protects the dignity and unity of the Esan people.

Advising bloggers of Esan extraction, Chief Oduma said; "Your platform is powerful. Use it to build, not to destroy. Use it to promote Esan unity, development and good governance. Where there is a problem, draw attention to it constructively and seek a solution.”

He warned that excessive political antagonism could create divisions that would outlive individual political contests.

Chief Okoinemen emphasized that the forthcoming election should be approached as a collective political moment for Esan people rather than merely a contest between individuals. He said; "This is our election. Whatever political differences we have, Esan must remain one. Let us learn from history and think about the future of our children.”

He concluded his message, with an appeal for political maturity, unity and constructive engagement, urging Esan people to rally around their collective interests while supporting the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo and contributing ideas that can strengthen governance.