After a four-year battle with the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), the All Progressives Congress (APC), Edo State chapter, has reclaimed its secretariat at 59, Airport Road, Benin City,.
The property had been under PDP control since 2021, following a controversial takeover allegedly orchestrated by the then-Governor Godwin Obaseki.
Addressing the media shortly after the takeover, APC State Chairman, Emperor Jarrett Tenebe, described the development as a fulfillment of his pledge to restore the party’s rightful properties and position in the state.
“This secretariat has always been the APC’s office. We renewed the rent for seven years before it was unlawfully taken from us by the PDP, with the support of the previous administration,” Tenebe said. “Today, justice has been served, and we are taking back what rightfully belongs to the APC.”
Recounting the events leading up to the takeover, Tenebe alleged that Governor Obaseki, after defecting to the PDP, used state machinery to evict APC members from the secretariat, confiscating party properties and vehicles.
“Despite a directive from the Inspector General of Police at the time for us to reclaim the property, the then-Commissioner of Police, acting on orders from Governor Obaseki, blocked our efforts,” he added.
Tenebe, who assumed leadership of the APC in Edo State, vowed to redress these wrongs. “I promised to reclaim this state for the APC and recover all properties taken from us. With the election of Senator Monday Okpebholo as governor, we fulfilled the first promise. Today, we fulfill the second by reclaiming our secretariat.”
The takeover was marked by the allocation of offices and plans to remodel the building in APC colors.
Tenebe assured party members that the APC would resist any attempt to reclaim the property by vested interests.
“We will ensure this secretariat is remodeled and functions fully as the APC’s operational headquarters. No one will displace us again,” he asserted.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), Ben Abang, visited the premises alongside senior officers to observe the situation and interact with APC executives.
The presence of law enforcement underscored the sensitivity of the reclaiming process.
Meanwhile, Edo PDP Chairman, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, who was at the premises during the takeover, was escorted out by the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku.
With the secretariat reclaimed, the APC in Edo State appears poised for a renewed chapter of leadership and organization.
The development further cements the party’s foothold following its recent electoral victory in the state.
“This is a victory for justice and the APC,” Tenebe concluded. “Today, we reaffirm our commitment to the people of Edo State and our determination to lead with integrity and purpose.”

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has called on Nigerians to honor the sacrifices of fallen heroes by fostering national unity and peace, emphasizing that the current stability of the nation rests on the selfless acts of these patriots.

Speaking at the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day in Benin City, Governor Okpebholo underscored the importance of learning from the country’s history to ensure a more united future.

“Today serves as a poignant reminder of the immense price paid by our gallant soldiers. They defended the unity of Nigeria at the cost of their lives. Let us ensure that their sacrifices were not in vain by strengthening the bonds of brotherhood and avoiding the mistakes of the past,” the governor said.

A statement by his chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua quoted governor Okpebholo to have also urged citizens to play active roles in promoting peace and national development.
He further stated that true homage to the nation’s fallen heroes goes beyond ceremonies.
“We must commit to building a nation where their dreams of peace and prosperity are realized. Every Nigerian has a part to play in fostering a more harmonious and thriving country,” he stated.
The governor reassured the widows and families of fallen soldiers of his administration’s commitment to providing sustained support.
According to him, plans are underway to introduce welfare packages tailored to addressing their unique needs.

“The government of Edo State remains resolute in ensuring that the families of these heroes are not forgotten. We will continue to provide for their welfare as a way of demonstrating our gratitude,” Governor Okpebholo affirmed.
“We owe it to the families of our fallen heroes to ensure that their sacrifices are recognized not just today, but every day. We are putting systems in place to provide them with the support they need and deserve,” he assured.
The high point of the event was the laying of a wreath by Governor Okpebholo, in memory of the country’s fallen soldiers.
The event brought together prominent leaders and stakeholders, including, Deputy Governor Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, Chief Judge of Edo State, Justice Daniel Okungbowa, Military personnel and representatives of the Oba of Benin

This solemn occasion served as a reminder of the nation’s responsibility to its fallen heroes and the enduring need for unity and peace in Nigeria.

By Ben Ogbemudia, Abuja

Workers from 34 affiliate unions of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Edo State have declared that Comrade Odion Olaye is no longer the state chairman of the NLC. They have also cautioned the NLC National President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, to act with neutrality in the ongoing leadership dispute.

The Edo State Council of the NLC dismissed recent claims made by Olaye, describing him as an “erstwhile chairman” whose tenure had effectively ended following a vote of no confidence.

Speaking on the matter, the current chairman of the Edo NLC, Comrade Bernard Joman, disclosed that the vote of no confidence was passed by 34 out of the 37 affiliate unions during a state executive meeting at the Labour Secretariat.
Joman further explained that Olaye’s ousting was inevitable, citing his controversial tenure as the chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), where he served for over 22 years without an election.

“Olaye has been removed, and a new chairman, Comrade Saturday Oamen, has been duly elected,” Joman stated.
Progress Under New Leadership
Joman highlighted significant progress made under the new leadership, including successful negotiations with the Edo State Government on the domestication of the ₦70,000 minimum wage. According to him, a committee is finalizing the documents that will serve as a template for the new salary structure.
He further accused Olaye of abandoning his responsibilities, claiming, “Mr. Olaye has been hiding in Abuja for over three months and lacks the constitutional authority to convene any state administrative or executive council meetings. His self-serving actions have undermined workers’ welfare in Edo State.”
The Edo NLC leadership urged the national leadership of the union to remain objective and avoid taking sides for personal gain.
“For the sake of clarity, Mr. Olaye should desist from parading himself as Edo NLC chairman. His actions are deceitful and capable of causing a breach of public peace,” the statement read.
The Edo NLC reassured workers that the new executive is committed to advancing the interests of workers and elevating Edo State’s standing within the labor movement nationwide.