Benin Leaders Cry Out Over Alleged Marginalisation Despite 83% IGR

The Edo Club has raised alarm over what it described as the “tactical and systematic marginalisation” of the Benin ethnic group in Edo South Senatorial District, despite the zone’s overwhelming demographic and economic dominance in the state.

In a statement signed yesterday by its president, Joseph Agbama Enofe and secretary-general, Prof. Patrick Igbinaduwa, the group lamented that Benin people have continued to be sidelined in political appointments at national, state and institutional levels, warning that the trend could fuel disaffection if not urgently addressed.

The group noted that Edo South remains the majority ethnic bloc in the state, accounting for about 55 per cent of the landmass and an estimated 2.5 million people out of the state’s 4.8 million population, based on 2022 data.

It also stressed that Benin City, the Edo State capital, is located within the zone, further underscoring its centrality to governance and administration.

Highlighting economic contributions, the group disclosed that Edo South generates about 83 per cent of the state’s Internally Generated Revenue, far exceeding Edo Central’s 7 per cent and Edo North’s 10 per cent.

It added that the zone also accounts for about 44 per cent of federal allocation to local governments, reinforcing its fiscal importance to the state.

Despite these figures, the group said Edo South holds only 38 per cent of Local Government Areas, 40 per cent of wards, 41 per cent of State House of Assembly seats, and 44 per cent of House of Representatives seats, describing the representation as disproportionately low compared to its contributions.

The statement further cited what it called “glaring institutional imbalance,” pointing to the leadership structure of Edo State University, Iyamho, where both the Vice Chancellor and Governing Council Chairman are non-indigenes of Edo State.

It described the development as part of a broader pattern of exclusion from key decision-making positions.

Calling for urgent redress, the Edo Club urged federal and state governments to ensure equitable distribution of political appointments, including ministerial and ambassadorial positions allocated to Edo State.

“We do not encourage hatred but advocate equity, fairness and justice,” the group stated, appealing to Benin representatives to unite in addressing the imbalance, warning that “a divided people cannot progress, but a united and inclusive society guarantees peace and development.”