The Oguda land question is not just a boundary dispute; it is a deep political, historical, and moral issue that strikes at the heart of Ebira identity, leadership responsibility, and governance failure.
Historically, Oguda land belongs to the people of Okene, Eziogu, Eziomoye, Ehebe, and other Ebira communities who have lived, farmed, and coexisted on that land for generations. These are facts rooted in history, culture, and communal memory. Yet today, we are confronted with a troubling reality: people from Edo State are laying claims to this same land, while Ebira political leaders watch in silence or offer only cosmetic concern.
This raises a fundamental question:
What have our leaders done to protect Ebira land and interest?
We have produced two governors in recent times — Governor Yahaya Bello and Governor Usman Ododo. Ebira people must courageously ask them: What concrete steps have you taken to resolve the Oguda land issue in favour of your own people? Leadership is not ceremonial; it is about defending your people when it matters most.
A COMPARISON THAT EXPOSES FAILURE
During the tenure of Hon. Karaku and Hon. Ogembe as Local Government Executive Chairmen, there was visible concern, engagement, and commitment to Ebira communal interests, including land-related matters. They understood governance as service, not entitlement.
Today, however, we are distracted by political noise and self-praise. Instead of listing real achievements of the present administration in education, employment, agriculture, healthcare, youth empowerment, and industrial development, some officials prefer to heat up politics and boast of influence, mysticism, or proximity to power.
Take, for instance, the posture of the Accountant-General of the State. Aside from road rehabilitation and the skeletal establishment of a few primary healthcare centres, what transformational impact can be pointed to in Ebiraland? Governance should not be reduced to propaganda. More dangerously, stoking political tension without addressing real socio-economic needs only plants the seed of crisis. If conflict erupts, who truly benefits?
LEADERSHIP MATTERS: A CLEAR DIFFERENCE
When Pharm. Asuku Muhammad Jamiu served as Chief of Staff, governance had coordination, humility, and direction. The difference between his tenure and the current one is clear and widely acknowledged. Credit must be given where it is due — kudos to Pharm. Asuku for setting a standard of service.
Let us speak plainly.
Dr. Habibat Oyiza Onumoko should name just one standard, well-equipped public school built or comprehensively upgraded in Ebiraland under this government. One. The silence on this question is loud.
Where are the recreational centres for our youths? The only visible one — the basketball court — was personally facilitated by Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi of the Energy Commission, not as part of any so-called cabal. If he were driven by selfish accumulation, he would have done nothing and simply hoarded public funds. That is the difference between service and exploitation.
A SHAMEFUL STATE OF INFRASTRUCTURE
Look at our stadium, embarrassingly exposed during the recent Ohinoyi Cup. This is a land that has produced governors twice, yet cannot maintain a befitting sporting facility. This neglect is not accidental; it is the result of misplaced priorities.
Even more painful is the abandonment of landmark projects:
The Town Hall built by Late Salihu Ohize
The Civic Centre built by Ogembe
The Federal Medical Centre (FMC) at Checkpoint
All abandoned under the watch of the current government. These were not personal projects; they were public assets meant to serve generations of Ebira people.
ENOUGH IS ENOUGH
Let the truth be told without fear or favour:
Recycling the same politicians has brought stagnation, not progress. These actors must not go beyond 2027. A new generation with ideas, competence, and courage must take over the leadership of Ebiraland.
Ebira people deserve better. Oguda land deserves justice. Governance must return to service, not showmanship.
Enough is enough.
– Comrade Ashraf Asuku
PRO
Good Governance Connect
