A socio-political group, The Owan Conscience, has firmly rejected the recent re-endorsement of Senator Adams Oshiomhole for a second term representing Edo North, labelling it a “selfish and anti-Owan” act that perpetuates the political marginalisation of the Owan people.
The group’s Chairman, Barrister Richard Ofen-Imu, voiced these strong objections during a press conference in Benin City on Thursday. He condemned the endorsement by some All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders in Owan East as a “painful and sad reminder” of a plot to sideline Owan communities.
“Despite our unwavering loyalty, sacrifices, and electoral support over the years, the Owan bloc continues to be sidelined whenever critical decisions relating to the allocation of elective and appointive positions are made in Edo North,” Ofen-Imu stated.
He argued that the action ignores a long-standing demand for justice, equity, and inclusive representation. “Owan East and Owan West LGAs have competent, credible, and capable sons and daughters who are eminently qualified to represent Edo North in the Senate. Continually denying Owan people this opportunity in the last 20 years reinforces the perception that our communities are politically expendable,” he added.
The group also questioned Senator Oshiomhole’s performance in Owan land, alleging a lack of visible constituency projects. “Beyond sharing bags of rice, fertilizers, and few motorcycles during the Yuletide, we know of no significant projects, in spite of the huge financial allocation for constituency projects in the senate,” Ofen-Imu claimed.
The Owan Conscience highlighted that the Etsako bloc has historically dominated the senatorial seat, along with ministerial, ambassadorial, and deputy governorship positions from the district.
Concluding, the group called on all Owan stakeholders—political leaders, traditional institutions, youth groups, and the diaspora—to unite behind a single Owan candidate for the Edo North Senate seat. “This is not merely a political contest; it’s a struggle for dignity, recognition, and fair representation,” Ofen-Imu declared.
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