dailyfrontlinenews

From Chris Akhabue  The Obaseki's family, yesterday condemned the attack on Dr Don Pedro Obaseki and said they are in absolute support of legal action to seek redress and recompense on assault meted on him. Recall that Don Pedro Obaseki was on Sunday, stripped naked and dragged along the streets down to the Palace of the Oba of Benin. The family declared its full support in Benin during a press briefing in Benin City while condemning the act. Speaking on behalf of the family, Pa Daniel Igbinovia Obaseki, the Okaegbe (head) of the Obaseki Family World Wide, said the move to support their son is to stamp the rule of law over jungle justice.  Pa Obaseki said that they have watched the video of how their son, Don Pedro was assaulted and waited patiently to get the reactions of concerned authorities before they could express their views. "The Obaseki Council (family) has been deeply disturbed by the deplorable incident of mob violence and public humiliation meted out i...

...says he's surprised that Oba of Benin will stoop this low His Excellency, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, the immediate past governor of Edo State, has condemned in the strongest terms the violent attack and abduction of his cousin, Dr. Pedro Obaseki at gun point by armed thugs said to be acting under the instructions of the palace of the Oba of Benin. In a statement, Obaseki said, "I strongly condemn the violent attack, maiming and abduction of my cousin, Dr. Pedro Obaseki, by armed thugs who are said to be acting under instructions of the palace of the Oba of Benin." Dr Pedro Obaseki, a former Managing Director of DAAR Communications and a renowned journalist, was attacked at Uwa Primary School, where he was subjected to physical assault, intimidation, and torture by the armed thugs before being forcefully taken to the palace. A viral video circulating on social media shows the armed thugs taking the brutalised Dr Pedro who was already stripped of his clothing to the...

Published 22 hours ago on December 27, 2025 By Eric         Prof. John Mearsheimer Hello to all the independent thinkers out there, and welcome back. We need to cut through the noise immediately. If you open your newspapers today or scroll through your feeds, you are being bombarded with a very specific, very seductive narrative. You are reading about American power on display. You are reading that President Trump has ordered a powerful and deadly strike against Islamic militants in Nigeria to protect Christians. You are hearing Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth declare that the killing of innocents must end and that the Department of War is always ready. The media paints this as a righteous thunderbolt, a demonstration of resolve, a reassertion of American strength. Let me be blunt: this is not strength. This is a strategic hallucination. What we are witnessing in West Africa is not the reawakening of a superpower. It is the strategic convulsion of a hegemo...

It is with enchanting joy and exceeding admiration that I, Pa Enoghayin Imaruagheru the Odiowere of Urumwon village, the Okaeghele, Hon. Esosa Igiebor, Council of elders and the entire good people of Urumwon village of Egor Local government area of Edo state, felicitate the Benin Kingdom, the Benin Royal family and the revered Benin Monarch, His Royal Majesty, Omo N' Oba N' Edo Uku Akpolokpolo Oba Ewuare the 11, N' Ogidigan, CFR, on the very auspicious occasion of Igue Benin Kingdoms historic festival. Your Majesty, you have remained a beacon of traditional and cultural Leadership which you have championed with telling forthrightness and unwavering diplomatic firmness, you keep providing the requisite leadership for the ancient Benin Kingdom and our traditional institution across the state. As you mark this year Igue festival, it is our fervent prayer that God Almighty endows you with greater wisdom and excellent health to lead the kingdom in the years ahead.  ...

A former Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State Council, and Principal Assistant Registrar/Head of Information, Protocol and Public Relations at Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Otunba Mike Aladenika, has unveiled the Nigerian Media Support Initiative (NMSI), a non-governmental organisation aimed at addressing the immediate and long-term needs of media practitioners in Nigeria. Speaking at a reception in his honour in Benin City to mark his 60th birthday, Aladenika said the NMSI is dedicated to strengthening the capacity, welfare and professional standards of media practitioners across the country.  “The Nigerian Media Support Initiative (NMSI) is a proposed non-governmental organisation focused on providing training, legal assistance, advocacy and networking opportunities to foster a vibrant, independent and ethical media landscape that underpins democratic governance and social development,” he explained. Sharing his over 25 years of experience ...

The Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Prof. (Mrs) Idia Ize-Iyamu on Tuesday addressed staff members at a management and staff assembly, marking her first 120 days in office, where she reiterated her commitment to providing a conducive working environment for all staff members. Speaking during the assembly, Prof. Ize-Iyamu expressed her commitment to providing exceptional leadership and called on all UBTH employees to uphold the highest standards of professionalism in their duties. The CMD highlighted key achievements and milestones attained since assuming office on August 18th. She thanked the staff for their dedication and commitment to caring for and serving humanity, emphasizing that UBTH's functionality relies on their continued efforts. Prof. Ize-Iyamu also outlined significant interventions made within the hospital under her leadership, including the installation of a state-of-the-art 160-Slice CT Scan Machine, among...

The Benin–Asaba Expressway Concession Company (BAECC) has said that it is aware of the heavy traffic congestion currently experienced along the Benin–Agbor axis and the Benin–Asaba Bypass corridor. This is contained in a press statement signed and made available to the press today by Dr. Jerry Adeyeri, Head of Public Communications. According to the statement, "We wish to clarify that construction activities are currently on a temporary pause, and no section of the expressway has been closed by BAECC. All construction equipment and machinery have been withdrawn from the carriageway to support freer movement during the holiday period. " Preliminary assessments indicate that the congestion is largely due to exceptional seasonal traffic volume, vehicle breakdowns, and non-compliance with traffic management instructions in certain sections, which have compounded movement along the corridor. "BAECC further appeals to all motorists and road users to exercise patie...

By Ebojele Akhere Patrick PhD Budgets are often judged by figures and projections, but their true meaning lies in what people can see, feel and experience in their daily lives. A close look at Edo State’s 2025 budget performance, compared with the 2024 exit budget of the previous administration, shows a clear shift in both the tempo and direction of governance under Governor Monday Okpebholo. The 2024 budget closed an era. It was largely a consolidation document, focused on sustaining existing structures, maintaining fiscal order and completing ongoing programmes. It performed creditably in revenue terms and helped stabilise the state’s finances at the point of transition. However, it was never designed to be bold or transformational. The 2025 budget, Governor Okpebholo’s first full fiscal year in office, has been different in both tone and intent. It was crafted at a time when Edo faced deep security concerns, mounting social pressures and growing public expectations. Rat...

     The family and the entire staff of ERHENGBO OKOMA SECURITY SERVICES NIG. LTD. Rejoice with HIS ROYAL MAJESTY OMON' OBA N' EDO UKU AKPOLOKPOLO, OBA EWUARE 11, THE OBA OF BENI On the celebration of the Igue festival.  We pray for confirmed growth, progress and advancement of the Great Benin .

ON BEHALF OF MY FAMILY, THE ENTIRE PEOPLE OF UKPASIA (ORE-OGHENE), AND THE PEOPLE OF OREDO EAST CONSTITUENCY, I, HON. ENGR. COMR. PETER IGBINIGIE OMO- IDAHOSA, THE FORMER COORDINATOR-GENERAL; OBEDIENT MOVEMENT FOR OKPEBHOLO AND ALSO THE PATRON, PEOPLE'S NETWORK FOR GOOD GOVERNMENT (PNGG), EDO STATE, HEARTILY FELICITATE OUR  ROYAL FATHER, HIS ROYAL MAJESTY OMO N' OBA N' EDO UKU AKPOLOKPOLO EWUARE 11, CFR; On The Occasion of Igue Benin Kingdoms Historic Festival. We are proud of your Efforts in preserving the Rich Culture and traditions of the Benins and their Descendants across Edo state and Beyond.      Ise logbe......... Ogbe ma vbedia rhuo, Iseee.

A former Commissioner of the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC), Henry Omoregie Williams Idahagbon, has petitioned the Senate President, accusing Senator Adams Oshiomhole of making “reckless, false and malicious” allegations of corruption against him during a Senate confirmation hearing. In the petition dated and addressed to the Senate President and also made available to the press, Idahagbon said Oshiomhole’s objection to his reappointment was based on “a sweeping allegation of corruption in recruitment and promotion activities at the Federal Civil Service Commission,” which he described as “completely unsupported by any evidence.” “I state categorically, unequivocally, and without reservation that this allegation is false, malicious, reckless, and completely unsupported by any evidence,” Idahagbon declared, adding that the only reason he had not instituted a libel action was because the statement was made under parliamentary privilege. He challenged the ...

The Ukponmwan and Giwa-Osagie families have announced plans to commemorate the 15th anniversary of the passing of their matriarch, Deaconess Mrs. Selia Ukponmwan (née Giwa-Osagie), with a thanksgiving service and a private reception in Benin City, Edo State. Speaking on behalf of the family, Dr. Osahon Ukponmwan, the family representative, said the remembrance is a moment of gratitude to God for a life defined by faith, humility and service. He described the late Deaconess as a woman whose influence remains deeply rooted in the family, even fifteen years after her passing. According to Dr. Ukponmwan, Mama Selia lived a life anchored on strong Christian values, discipline and love for family and community. “This anniversary is not about mourning but thanksgiving. We are grateful to God for a mother whose prayers, counsel and example continue to guide us,” he said. Born into the Oloke Family of the Benin Kingdom, Deaconess Selia Ukponmwan was widely known for her devotion to ...

By Ikhili Ebalu, Benin city  The Dangote Cement PLC has empowered 240 indigents of the Okpella community in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo. The 100 women were given 100,000 each to support their business, 60 farmers trained, supported with improved crops, farming tools while 80 students both secondary and tertiary institutions were given scholarships for their education. Speaking at the launching of the programme on Tuesday, the Plant Director, Dangote Cement, Okpella Plant, Dr. Ismaeel Mohammed said 240 persons to benefit from the empowerment programme. Muhammed, who was represented by the Financial Controller Dr. Tanko Lawal said the empowerment is under the company's social investment intervention programme for women, farmers and students captured in the extant Community Development Agreement (CDA). "Today, we are witnessing an historic occasion in our journey of mutual development with the Okpella community. " This empowerment programme is ...

From Chris Akhabue, Edo   Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, on Tuesday presented a ₦939.85 billion 2026 Appropriation Bill, christened Budget of Hope and Growth, to the Edo State House of Assembly, outlining an ambitious fiscal roadmap aimed at consolidating gains of his first year in office and restoring public confidence in governance. Presenting the budget, Governor Okpebholo said the 2026 fiscal plan was designed to build on the foundation laid in 2025 while expanding the reach of government programmes to directly impact the lives of Edo people across all sectors of the economy. According to the governor, the budget prioritises key areas critical to sustainable development, including security, infrastructure, agriculture, education, job creation and healthcare, noting that the focus of his administration remains on delivering “development the people can see and feel.” A breakdown of the proposal shows a total expenditure of ₦939.85 billion, with c...

The legitimate Onojie of Ewu as pronounced by the Supreme Court in Suit No. 147/2014 delivered on 19th July 2024, His Royal Highness, Jafaru Isesele 1, has appealed to Edo State Governor, Distinguished Senator Monday Okpebholo to halt attempts by the Edo Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs to undermine the above Supreme Court judgement declaring him as the legitimate successor to the throne of Onogie of Ewu and dismissing the appeal of the Appellant, Prince Rasak Yesufu Ogiefo against the judgment of the Court of Appeal in Appeal No. CA/B/19/2006 for lacking in merit.   In a letter to Governor Okpebholo from the law firm of E. Olayiwola Afolabi SAN on behalf of His Royal Highness, Jafaru Isesele 1, with reference No. EOA/GEN/68/25, dated 13th December, 2025 and titled, "Re: Onogie of Ewu Chieftaincy Dispute: Attempt to Undermine The Supreme Court of Nigeria Delivered in SC. 147/2014 on 19th July, 2024," the learned Silk pointed out that it has ju...

From Chris Akhabue  The Executive Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, on Sunday made an unscheduled on-the-spot inspection of the ongoing construction of Ogheghe Road and Old Sapele Road in Benin City after a church service just as he directed contractors to accelerate work to fully maximise the dry season window. In a press statement by Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Dr. Patrick Akhere Ebojele disclosed that the Governor speaking during the inspection said it was important for him to personally assess the progress of the road construction project, adding that the dry season presented a limited opportunity for speedy delivery. According to him, Governor Okpebholo said, “I have not been around here for sometime, so coming to look at this work and see what is going on is important. “We are experiencing the dry season now. Apart from this time, there is no more time, we need to take advantage of the season so the speed has to be doubled.” While expres...

By Chris Akhabue  Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, on Saturday presided over the All Progressives Congress (APC) Osun State governorship primary election ahead of the 2026 polls, describing the exercise as a strong affirmation of party unity, internal democracy and shared commitment to progressive leadership. Governor Okpebholo, who chaired the Osun State Primary Election Committee, spoke at Eboluwa International School, Osogbo, where party leaders, aspirants and stakeholders gathered for the exercise. The Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Dr. Patrick Akhere Ebojele disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Benin, the state capital. According to him, Governor Okpebholo described the day as “a great day” for the APC in Osun State, noting that the peaceful conduct of the primary reflected the collective resolve of party members to move forward as one family. “I sincerely thank the National Working Committee of our great party and the...

We would ordinarily have ignored the latest illiterate outburst credited to Kassim Afegbua, the Edo State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, particularly as the subject matter is already under litigation before competent courts of law. However, for the sake of the unsuspecting general public, and to prevent the APC and their Edo masters of propaganda and disinformation from having a field day spreading calculated falsehoods, half-truths and deliberate mischief, we are compelled to respond. It must be stated without equivocation that Kassim Afegbua is on a dangerous, self-serving mission, acting at the behest of his APC godfathers, to tarnish the image of Mr Godwin Obaseki by trivialising, distorting and vitiating one of the most disciplined, transparent and forward-looking gubernatorial performances in Edo State’s history. His assignment is beneath governance. It is vendetta. It is propaganda. It is disinformation. This administration’s obsession with Obaseki is now...

The Special Adviser to the governor on Political Matter Engagement and Mobilization,  Honourable Utubor Eugene has disclaimed the statement Credited to one Osatofo Aitolo circulating in some segments of social media platforms saying that the statement is not from the Special Adviser to the governor on political matter engagement and mobilization.  As such does not represent the opinion or position of the office but solely the prerogative of the author who has since been disengaged from representing the office in any capacity and therefore urged the general public to disregard the statement. According to a Press Statement issued, Signed and made available to the Press in Benin City today at the State capital, Honourable Eugene said that the statement is not a reflection of his office and therefore urged the public to discontenant it. "The Office of Honourable Eugene Utubor, Special Adviser to the governor on Political Matter Engagement and Mobilization wishes to ...

By Chris Akhabue  The realm of Social Media is rife with superfluous lamentations of inexperienced commentators bemoaning the sack of Fred Itua, the former Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Executive governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo. Two of such misleading conjectures caught my attention this morning .  One of the baseless and unfounded pieces titled, "SIR OWAEN FRED ITUA : A VITAL ASSET NEEDED FOR THE FULL ACTUALIZATION OF THE SHINE AGENDA" authored by one Osatofoh Aitolo sponsored to launder the unredeemable self inflicted damages on the sacked CPS is unfortunately an exercise in futility and a vexatious affront on the highly esteemed personality and integrity of the state governor and all well meaning Edo people. ‎ It might have been wiser not to dignify the undignifiable piece with any response, as it is not solicited,  but silence in the face of such drivel would risk allowing his fabrications to fester unchecked and ultimately add ...

The Commissioner representing Edo Central Senatorial District in the Local Government Service Commission, Evangelist Comrade Francis Akhigbe has congratulated the Edo State Deputy Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon, Sylvester Aigboboh on his appointment as the Renewed Hope Ambassador for Edo State by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.  In a congratulatory message personally signed by Comr. Akhigbe and made available to newsmen in Benin City, the former Acting Chairman of Local Government Service Commission described Aigboboh's appointment as well deserved and a recognition of his dedication to the ideals of the APC and the renewed hope agenda of President Tinubu.  "Congratulations to you on your appointment as the Renewed Hope Agenda Ambassador for Edo State. This is a well earned recognition of your dedication, clarity of purpose, and service to our people. "Your new role carries real weight as our communities need guidance, honest information, an...

The Oredo East constituency candidate of the Labour Party   (LP) in the 2023 Edo House Of Assembly election, Comrade Engr Peter Igbinigie Idahosa, has said that Edo State House Of Assembly needs to formulate policies that would enhance the current Security architecture so as to Stimulate food sufficiency in the state. He made the remarks while addressing journalists yesterday in Benin-City the Edo State capital. According to him, "There are good policies to be made that can significantly transform the lives of the people. For instance, I am a member of the All Farmers Association Of Nigeria ( AFAM)  and if I am a House member, I will lobby my co House members to make policies that will guarantee security that will ultimately enhance agricultural productivity which will in turn increase food sufficiency. This can only be achieved if there is enhanced security in our communities particularly in the rural areas and the farming communities so that farmers and ...