By Ehis Agbon, October 6, 2025
Auchi, Edo State — Leaders and stakeholders from the Three Ibie and Okpekpe clans of Etsako East Local Government Area have strongly refuted recent claims of political marginalization in the zone, describing the allegations as false, misleading, and not representative of the people.
The rebuttal follows a publication in Vanguard and Leadership newspapers credited to one Abdullahi Shuaibu, who alleged that the so-called “North Ibie” has been sidelined in the distribution of political offices since 1999.
In a statement issued and signed by Comrade Danjuma A. Ekiogwe, Chief Administrator of Imiegba Village Square, stakeholders dismissed the publication, clarifying that there is no recognized region known as “North Ivie” in Etsako East. Instead, the area is made up of the Three Ibie clans — Imiegba, Itsukwi, and Imiakebu — alongside the Okpekpe clan.
“Unknown individual”
The group described Mr. Shuaibu as “unknown” to both political and traditional structures in the area, insisting that he had no mandate to speak for the people.
“The said Abdullahi Shuaibu is unknown to our political, traditional, and community leadership structures. His purported representation of the zone is false, fraudulent, and self-serving,” the statement read.
Record of inclusiveness
Contrary to the claim of neglect, stakeholders outlined several key political and administrative positions held by sons and daughters of the Three Ibie/Okpekpe zone over the years.
These include:
- State Assembly seats: Late Hon. J.B. Momoh and Rt. Hon. Engr. Abubakar Momoh (FNSE)
- House of Representatives: Rt. Hon. Engr. Abubakar Momoh (FNSE)
- Council Chairmen: Hon. Engr. Abubakar Momoh (FNSE) and Hon. Benedicta Attoh (substantive); Hon. Attoh also served as Acting Chairman
- Vice Chairmen: Edward Imanobe, Haruna Yaro Yaro, Hon. Benedicta Attoh, and Charles Dagana
- Party leadership: Mr. Okponokhe, APC Chairman of Etsako East
- Federal appointment: A ministerial slot currently held by a native of the zone
Ekiogwe stressed that this record reflects inclusiveness and fairness in the sharing of positions, both elective and appointive, at local and state levels.
“The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Etsako East has consistently embraced equity and balance in its internal zoning arrangements. The possibility of zoning the Edo State House of Assembly seat to the Three Ibie/Okpekpe zone further demonstrates this spirit of inclusion,” he said.
Background
Etsako East Local Government Area, carved out in 1991, is one of the three local governments making up the Etsako federal constituency in Edo North Senatorial District. The area has historically rotated political offices among its clans to maintain balance and foster unity.
However, periodic accusations of domination by one group or another have surfaced, often during election seasons. Political observers say such claims are frequently sponsored by individuals seeking leverage ahead of party primaries or appointments.
Call for calm
The stakeholders urged the public and the media to disregard the controversial publication, insisting it does not represent the realities on ground.
“We categorically disassociate the peace-loving people of the Three Ibie/Okpekpe zone from this baseless and misleading claim,” the statement concluded.
The clarification, dated October 2025, aims to put to rest simmering political tension in the local government as Edo gears up for future elections.
PRESS RELEASE
Re: False Claims of Marginalization of North Ibie in Etsako East
A Response to Vanguard Newspaper Publication by Abdullahi Shuaibu
By Comr. Danjuma A. Ekiogwe
To clarify, there is no recognized region as “North Ivie” in Etsako East, Edo State. The correct reference is to the Three Ibie Clans (Imiegba, Itsukwi, and Imiakebu) and Okpekpe Clan.
The attention of concerned stakeholders and leaders of the Three Ibie/Okpekpe zone has been drawn to a recent publication in Vanguard and Leadership Newspapers attributed to one Abdullahi Shuaibu, alleging marginalization of the so-called “North Ivie” in the sharing of political positions, particularly the Chairmanship of Etsako East Local Government Area since 1999.
We categorically disassociate the peace-loving people of the Three Ibie/Okpekpe zone from this baseless and misleading claim. The said Abdullahi Shuaibu is unknown to our political, traditional, and community leadership structures, and his purported representation of the zone is false, fraudulent, and self-serving.
The region has not been marginalized. Sons and daughters of our zone have held and continue to hold strategic appointments and elective positions in both local and state governments. The APC has been inclusive in sharing political appointments and elective positions.
Notable examples of leadership roles held by individuals from the Three Ibie/Okpekpe zone include:
– Two House of Assembly members (Late Hon. JB Momoh and Rt. Hon. Engr. Abubakar Momoh FNSE)
– House of Representatives( Rt. Hon. Engr Abubakar Momoh FNSE)
– Two substantive Chairmen (Hon. Engr. Abubakar Momoh FNSE and Hon. Benedicta Attoh)
– One Acting Chairman (Hon. Benedicta Attoh)
– Four Vice Chairmen (Edward Imanobe, Haruna Yaro Yaro, Hon. Benedicta Attoh, and Charles Dagana)
– Etsako East APC Party Chairman (Mr. Okponokhe)
– Federal Minister (current)
The APC Etsako East chapter may have also decided to zone the Edo State House of Assembly seat to the Three Ibie/Okpekpe zone, to further affirm the spirit of equity,fairness and inclusion within the party.
We urge the public and the media to disregard the recent publication in its entirety, as it does not reflect the position, sentiment, or reality of the people of the Three Ibie/Okpekpe zone.
Signed:
Comr. Danjuma A. Ekiogwe
Chief Administrator, The People of Imiegba Village Square, Home and Abroad
Concerned Stakeholders and Leaders of Three Ibie/Okpekpe Zone
Etsako East Local Government Area, Edo State.
Dated: October ——–, 2025
