In the intricate theatre of Nigerian politics, there are actors and there are assistants. Monday Okpebholo — better known as “Akpakomiza” — falls squarely in the latter category. His political life could be mistaken for a well-choreographed relay race — always waiting for someone to hand him the baton of purpose.
From his early political debut, Okpebholo learned the art of being a dependable “boy.” First, he followed Francis Alimikhena, nodding dutifully to instructions. Then came Adams Oshiomhole, who ran Edo politics like a construction site, complete with helmets and shouting foremen. Okpebholo didn’t mind being the site boy; he carried the cement of loyalty and mixed it with the sand of obedience.
Now, he’s neatly folded into the Asiwaju Boys Club, orbiting Bola Ahmed Tinubu like a political moon unsure of its own light. Nigerians have a name for such politicians: boy boy. The kind who answers “Yes sir!” before the question is finished.
🪞The Boy-Boy Doctrine
Okpebholo’s philosophy of politics seems simple: why lead when you can follow a leader and still get the perks? It’s the Nigerian political apprenticeship model — the surest way to rise without raising an idea. While others carry manifestos, he carries loyalty cards.
He has perfected the survival tactic of attaching himself to the reigning godfather, like a political Bluetooth device that automatically connects to the nearest power source. From Oshiomhole’s shouty godfatherism to Tinubu’s agbada-sized influence, Okpebholo’s career has been a seamless transition from one “Yes Sir” to another.
🎭 When Followers Become Leaders
The tragedy — or comedy — of Nigerian politics is that sometimes, followers get promoted by accident. And when that happens, they govern like subordinates still awaiting instructions. Every decision must be “cleared from above.” Every statement must sound like a press release written by someone else.
Okpebholo, by all indications, is still waiting for someone to whisper the next move. Leadership, to him, appears to be a waiting game — “Oga, should I talk now?”
🧰 The Edo Experiment
Edo State, ever the political laboratory, is now experimenting with a follower-in-chief. A governor who still seeks validation before breathing politically. His campaign photos often feature him looking sideways — as if asking, “Is this how we pose, sir?”
The people of Edo might one day wake up to realize their governor has scheduled a meeting with his political uncles to ask if he’s allowed to sign a document.
🧳 In Conclusion
Monday Okpebholo’s political biography could be titled “How to Succeed in Politics Without Really Leading.” In a country where loyalty often trumps competence, his type will always find space — standing dutifully behind someone else’s shadow, smiling for the camera, and waiting for the next directive.
After all, in the Nigerian political dictionary, “boy boy” is no insult — it’s a career path.
Centre for Nigeria Progress 