By Hon Desmond Ugbo
*Benin City, Edo State* – A recent decision by outgoing Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki to rename the Edo State Educational Hub after his outgoing Commissioner for Education, Joan Oviawe, has ignited a wave of controversy and criticism within the state. Critics, including cultural crusaders and community leaders, are raising alarms over what they consider a reckless act motivated by personal relationships rather than merit.
In a leaked letter purportedly signed by Obaseki, it was announced that the Ministry of Education building would be renamed the “Dr. Joan Osa Oviawe Building.” This move has drawn ire from various quarters, especially given the public perception of Oviawe’s tenure, which many regard as unsuccessful, with allegations of mismanaged state funds related to educational projects.
Prominent Benin cultural advocates, such as Iyamu Osaro Culture and Solomon Okoduwa, are calling on the incoming governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, to swiftly overturn this decision. “This is not just an issue of naming a building; it reflects a deeper abuse of office and misuse of taxpayer money,” said Iyamu Osaro Culture. “The people of Edo deserve better than this last-minute maneuver.”
Many residents are echoing this sentiment, expressing frustration at what they see as the outgoing administration’s attempts to cement its legacy, even in the face of widespread dissatisfaction over educational failures. Oviawe, who has been accused of squandering public resources, is now at the center of a growing scandal, as questions are raised about the motivations behind such a decision.
Critics argue that renaming the educational hub is not only an affront to the citizens but also indicative of a broader pattern of alleged corruption and mismanagement under Obaseki’s administration. The outgoing governor’s association with Oviawe, referred to in the leaked letter as his “friend,” further complicates the matter, as it raises ethical questions about favoritism in governance.
Amidst this backdrop of discontent, calls for reform are gaining momentum. Stakeholders urge Senator Okpebholo to revamp government agencies that have been seen as instruments of mismanagement, including the Edo State Traffic Management Authority (EDSTMA) and the state’s Board of Internal Revenue. There is a growing consensus that a thorough overhaul is necessary to restore public trust and promote accountability in governance.
As the political landscape shifts with the impending transition in leadership, the actions taken by Senator Okpebholo in response to these controversies will be closely monitored by the people of Edo State. For now, many citizens remain hopeful that the new governor will prioritize the needs of the public over personal connections and ensure that educational institutions serve their intended purpose: to educate and empower the youth of Edo State.
The controversy surrounding the renaming of the Edo State Educational Hub serves as a reminder of the challenges faced in governance and the profound impact of leadership decisions on public perception. As the state prepares for a new chapter under Senator Okpebholo, the hope remains that accountability and integrity will take precedence, helping to mend the frayed trust between the government and its constituents.
