List Of Governors Of Edo State And Their Deputies (1999-Present)
This is the most comprehensive list of all the Governors who have served Edo State from 1999 till date, Including their Deputies:
READ ALSO: List Of Jigawa State Governors And Their Deputies (1992-Present)
Governor | Deputy Governor | Took Office | Left Office | Party |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Lucky Igbinedion | Mike Oghiadomhe | 29 May 1999 | 29 May 2007 | PDP |
Oserheimen Osunbor | Lucky Imasuen | 29 May 2007 | 11 November 2008 | PDP (election declared invalid in March 2008) |
Adams Oshiomhole | Pius Odubu | 12 November 2008 | 12 November 2016 | ACN (2007-2012), APC (2012-2016) |
Godwin Obaseki | Philip Shaibu (Nov 2016 – Apr 2024), Omobayo Godwins (since Apr 2024) | 12 November 2016 | Incumbent | APC (2016–2020), PDP (2020–present) |
Who Was The First Former Governor Of Edo State?
Edo State, located in southern Nigeria, was officially created on August 27, 1991. This happened when the former Bendel State was split into two parts: Edo and Delta States, and the first individual to govern the new Edo State was Colonel John Ewerekumoh Yeri.
He served as the military governor from when the state was created until January 1992. Before Edo State was formed, Colonel Yeri was the military governor of Bendel State starting in August 1990. When Edo State was established, he became its first governor.
He was responsible for setting up the new state’s government during a time of political change and instability. Colonel Yeri focused on several key areas during his time in office.
One of his main goals was to build the state’s infrastructure, like roads, which was important for connecting different parts of the state and boosting economic activities.
He also believed in the importance of traditional rulers in governance as he encouraged these traditional leaders to help educate people about the government’s policies and initiatives.
This approach aimed to make government work better at the local level. In January 1992, Colonel Yeri handed over power to John Odigie-Oyegun, who became the first civilian governor of Edo State.
This handover was part of a larger move towards democracy in Nigeria, which was happening under the leadership of General Ibrahim Babangida.
Who Is The Current Governor Of Edo State?
The current Governor of Edo State, Nigeria, is Godwin Obaseki, and he has been in office since November 12, 2016, after winning the gubernatorial election held earlier that year.
Originally elected under the All Progressives Congress (APC), Obaseki switched to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in June 2020.
He did this to seek re-election and won a second term in the gubernatorial elections on September 19, 2020. Godwin Obaseki was born on July 1, 1957, in Benin City, Edo State.
He studied Economics at the University of Ibadan and later earned an MBA from Pace University in New York. Before he started his political career, Obaseki worked in investment banking and various business ventures.
Obaseki’s political journey began when he was named Chairman of the Edo State Economic and Strategy Team in 2001. He helped advise the state government on how to improve the economy.
His work impressed then-governor Adams Oshiomhole, who chose him as his successor. Obaseki has focused on improving education, healthcare, and infrastructure in Edo State. His government has worked on making the education system better and more accessible.
They have also made progress in healthcare, especially in services for mothers and children. One of Obaseki’s key projects is the “Clean and Green” initiative. This program aims to make Edo State more environmentally friendly by improving waste management, planting trees, and creating more green spaces.
READ ALSO: List Of Imo State Governors, And Their Deputies (1999-Present)
Who Is The Current Deputy Governor Of Edo State?
Omobayo Godwins is the current Deputy Governor of Edo State. He started his role on April 8, 2024, after his predecessor, Philip Shaibu, was controversially removed by the Edo State House of Assembly.
The Chief Judge of Edo State, Daniel Okungbowa, swore in Godwins at the Government House in Benin City. Omobayo Godwins was born on July 19, 1986, in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State.
He has a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering and a Master of Science in Public Administration, both from the University of Benin.
Godwin has worked in the oil and gas industry, specifically as a Senior Maintenance Engineer at Dresser Wayne West Africa Limited.
He is also a member of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) and the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN). When he was appointed, Godwins thanked Governor Godwin Obaseki for the chance to serve as deputy governor.
In his speech, he promised to work hard and meet the expectations of the governor, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the people of Edo State.
He recognized that his term might be short because Obaseki is in the last year of his second term, but he is determined to make a positive impact. The political situation in Edo State has been tense, especially between Governor Obaseki and his former deputy, Philip Shaibu.
Shaibu’s removal followed allegations of leaking government secrets, which led to a court ruling that overturned his impeachment. This situation created a gap that Godwins filled, showing the ongoing political challenges in the state.
