Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion is one of the prominent figures in Edo State, Nigeria.
Born September 11,1934, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, the Esama of Benin Kingdom can be said to have risen from grass to grace.
From a humble background in the small village of Okada, Ovia North- East Local Government area in Edo State, Chief Igbinedion was determined to succeed at life.
Through the years , Chief Igbinedion have sat in the helm of affairs in global businesses that cut across Education, Oil and Gas, Aviation, Television and Radio, Real Estate, Salt Manufacturing, Fish Farming, Palm Oil production, Hospitality , Transportation, Crude Oil exploration and the most profitable; Politics(ing).
In 1977, Chief Igbinedion, a traditional aristocrat, got married to his longtime wife and partner, Lady Cherry Igbinedion, a Jamaican business woman with whom he built a legacy that will never be forgotten in the history of Edo State.
Together the couple own an array of businesses in Edo State; the Igbinedion Education Center, The Igbinedion University, Okada, Igbinedion Hospital, Medical school, Kada fry, several hotels, real estate, just to mention a few.
The power couple birthed 4 daughters, with the eldest daughter, Barrister Omosede Igbinedion an active politician and former member of the Federal House of Representatives.
Chief Igbinedion has several other sons and daughters from his previous marriages. With his eldest son, Chief Lucky Igbinedion an active politician and ex 2-time governor of Edo State.
Other children of Chief Igbinedion have held several key positions in Edo State politics, from being local government chairmen to commissioners, and other political appointments. All these under the influence of Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion.
How Then Has The Iroko Fallen?
Recently, only little has been heard about the children of Chief Igbinedion. The octogenarian is no longer active in the corridors of power. As old age sets in the successful business man, father and philanthropist began to limit his participation in politics. The results of his withdrawal from politics were evident in the election that saw his daughter Barrister Omosede loose her Federal House of Representatives seat to Hon. Dennis Idahosa.
Ovia used to be a stronghold of Chief Igbinedion, who is often referred to as the Lion of Ovia.
How the daughter of the Lion of Ovia lost the election, remains unfathomable.
Lucky Igbinedion a 2-time governor of Edo State, who was clouded by controversy and rumors of huge embezzlement left office a free man only to be probed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC a decade later, when his father’s influence has diminished.
Suddenly other children of the Esama are no more reigning names in Edo Politics. No multiple political appointments as they are known for.
Power does not last forever! Truly, the Iroko has taken a bow.
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