A pan-Esan socio-political group,Esan Progressives Vanguard (EPV), has faulted the appointment of Chief Dan Orbih as the Chairman, Governing Council of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma by Governor Monday Okpebholo.
In a statement on Tuesday, Convener and National Coordinator of EPV, Jonathan Akhabue, described the appointment as “a shocking act of betrayal to the people of Esanland.”
The group argued that it was preposterous for Okpebholo who “unceremoniously removed Dr. Frank Odafen, a respected intellectual and community pillar from Ekpoma, as Chairman of the Ambrose Alli University (AAU) Governing Council, replaced him with Dan Orbih, a controversial Edo North politician.”
It frowned at the appointment and tagged it as an “odious gift from the Governor, (and) reeks of political horse-trading, exposing Okpebholo as a pawn of Edo North interests rather than a leader dedicated to the welfare of Esanland.”
The group argued that “AAU, a critical institution for the educational and socio-economic advancement of Esanland, has been reduced to a bargaining chip in Okpebholo’s quest to repay political debts. This disgraceful move is an insult to the people of Ekpoma who stood behind him during the gubernatorial election.”
Fuming with anger, the group stated that “Ambrose Alli University is more than just an educational institution; it is the heartbeat of Esanland and a symbol of our collective aspirations for progress and empowerment. This institution holds the hopes of our children and the future of Esanland. The decision to appoint Dan Orbih, a figure without any academic history of note; and whose political track record raises more questions than answers; is not just a blow to the university—it is an affront to every Esan son and daughter who values the dignity of our land. Is Okpebholo saying he looked across the length and breadth of Esanland and he could not find an Esan son or daughter with the intellectual and moral fortitude required to take AAU to the Olympian heights he promised to take it to during his campaigns?,” it queried.
Esan Progressive Vanguard insisted that”Okpebholo’s decision underscores a larger problem: the systemic disregard for Esanland’s development and autonomy. If Edo’s future is to be built by Edo people, then Esanland must take charge of its own destiny. Esan has the intellectual capacity, the leadership, and the will to govern its institutions and foster progress. Esan will build Esan—not as a slogan, but as a movement grounded in unity, self-reliance, and pride.
“The people of Esanland are ready and capable of charting their own course, free from the interference of external actors who seek to undermine their progress. Our institutions are not pawns in political games, and our future will not be decided by those who do not have Esanland’s best interests at heart.
“This appointment is yet another glaring example of Okpebholo’s disdain for the people of Esanland. How can a governor, elected with the support of Ekpoma, turn his back on his own people so blatantly? If Okpebholo thinks he can repay the loyalty of Esanland with insults and betrayal, he is sorely mistaken. The people of Ekpoma will not remain silent in the face of this injustice.
“As a people, we have never cowered in the face of betrayal, and we will not begin now. Okpebholo must know that this is not the end of the conversation—it is the beginning. Esan will not be ignored, disrespected, or suppressed. If Okpebholo chooses to ignore the voices of Esanland, he will find himself at odds with a united people determined to protect their heritage, institutions, and future. Esanland will rise to the challenge and defend its dignity against any attempt to undermine its progress.”
