Esan South East Residents have kicked against alleged third-term plot for lawmaker.
NewsOnline Nigeria reports that a political storm is gathering in Esan South East Local Government Area as constituents voice strong opposition to the rumored third-term bid of Hon. Sunny Osezua Ojiezele (popularly known as Ikpenomhen) for the Edo State House of Assembly.
Social media platforms and community hubs in Ubiaja have become battlegrounds for the “NO to 3rd tenure” movement. Critics argue that Ojiezele’s move to seek a third term in the 2027 elections defies established political norms and constitutional expectations.
Local commentators have questioned the lawmaker’s performance after seven years in office, with one viral post asking, “Why are you so greedy?” and citing a significant lack of visible developmental projects across the constituency during his tenure.
The controversy intensified following reports of a meeting between the Edo State Commissioner for Security and Public Safety, Hon. Festus Ebea, and the Ubiaja Progressive Youths in early March.
Sources allege that Ebea claimed Governor Monday Okpebholo had directed all other aspirants to step down to favor Ojiezele’s third-term endorsement. However, no official evidence exists to support this claim, and the Governor’s office has not issued any statement linking the administration to such a directive.
Hon. Ojiezele, who defected from the PDP back to the APC in late 2024, is no stranger to legislative friction. In January 2024, he was slapped with a three-month suspension by the Edo State House of Assembly for allegedly inciting disunity among members.
The friction extends to the 2026 local government chairmanship race. While Hon. Cornelius Amhiegbereta has emerged as a frontrunner with a vision for “integrity-led leadership,” he has faced unverified online attacks regarding his academic credentials from Lagos State University (LASU). To date, no formal legal or administrative complaints have been filed to substantiate these claims.
A Call for Transparency
Stakeholders in Esan South East are now urging Governor Okpebholo to distance himself from “political jobbers” and ensure a transparent primary process.
“The era of imposing candidates based on personal interests must end. Our constituency deserves leaders focused on public welfare, not self-enrichment,” stated a local community leader.
As of press time, neither Hon. Ojiezele, Hon. Ebea, nor representatives of the Edo State Government have responded to requests for comment.
