There’s a new political soap opera in Edo State, and its title may as well be: “Monday Loves Bola: The Chronicles of a Political Superfan.” If Nollywood had any sense, they’d have already bought the script and cast Osita Iheme as the narrator.
Since stepping into Osadebe Avenue, Governor Monday Okpebholo, the “Eldest son of Tinubu and first child of Jesus Christ” according to Collin “No Mind Them” Aghahowa appointee praise singer, appears less like the chief executive of Edo State and more like the unofficial Senior Prefect of “Tinubu Affairs & Devotion” — a role nobody advertised, nobody voted for, and certainly nobody budgeted for.
One almost suspects that if you walk into Government House and shout, “Igwe! Bola Tinubu is passing!” staff may instinctively form two lines and start singing the APC national anthem.
From Governor to Party Agent — Was That in the Manifesto?
Edo State did not lack problems before Okpebholo assumed office. In fact, the queue of issues waiting to be addressed was longer than Nigeria’s immigration line at Heathrow.
The people thought they were voting for a governor — someone to fix roads that look like archaeological sites, revive the civil service, restore education and health systems, and generally stop the state from looking like a victim of decades-long DIY governance.
Instead, what they got is a man who appears determined to become the Best Supporting Actor in the Tinubu Political Cinematic Universe. He seems more present in Abuja than in Benin City — if this continues, we may need Google Maps to confirm where exactly his office is located.
Oshiomhole’s Frankenstein Moment
Enter Adams Oshiomhole — former governor, now senator, and apparently Edo’s political Dr. Frankenstein.
He built this creation, stitched the pieces together, infused the APC life-force, and shouted “Rise!”
But as with all political Frankenstein stories, the creation has developed a mind of its own… except that mind seems permanently wired to “Worship Tinubu Frequency 101.1 FM.”
Oshiomhole wanted a loyal governor. What he got is a Tinubu evangelist so committed that even APC party members are whispering:
“Omo, na Governor of Edo State or Tinubu’s wrapper we elect so?”
One imagines Oshiomhole sitting somewhere rubbing his head like a parent who bought a toy for their child, only for the neighbour’s child to take full ownership of it.
Is Edo on Autopilot While Monday Spreads the Gospel of BAT?
Edo people are practical:
Fix our roads.
Stop the floods.
Pay workers.
Boost healthcare.
Return Benin City to its glory, not to “Benin Bypass to Abuja Duty Office.”
But instead, we have a governor who treats governance like a side hustle — his main job being Brand Ambassador for Bola Ahmed Tinubu, complete with political jingles, daily devotionals, and occasional public genuflection.
If Edo wanted a Tinubu Brand Influencer, they would have hired Bobrisky — at least the entertainment value would be high.
A simple reminder for Okpebholo: Edo is not Eti-Osa local government area of Lagos state.
History is watching, and Edo people have long memories.
This is the same state that told a sitting godfather: “Go and rest!”
If Monday Okpebholo’s tenure becomes nothing more than an extended campaign for BAT 2027 or a loyalty Olympics to outshine Ogun, Lagos, and Ondo, Edo voters will do what they do best — return the product to sender.
Final Benediction
We pray for our dear governor:
May he wake up one morning, look into the mirror, and remember he is actually the Governor of Edo State — not the Special Adviser for Tinubu Adoration and Pilgrimage Coordination.
Because at this rate, Edo people will need to check INEC’s fine print to confirm whether they mistakenly voted for a Party Agent-in-Chief instead of a governor.
Centre for Nigeria Progress 