By Charles Pemu 
BENIN CITY—The All Progressives Congress (APC) chapter in Owan East Local Government Area of Edo State is currently embroiled in a serious crisis over the continuous domination of political offices by one section of the council, known as “Axis One.”
Leaders from the marginalized “Axis Two” have publicly called out party leaders for allegedly jettisoning the local rotational arrangement, warning that the lopsided distribution of power threatens the party’s long-term survival in the area.
Speaking at a press conference in Benin City, Barrister James Otoikhila, a leader of the aggrieved Axis Two, presented data highlighting the vast disparity in the rotation of the Local Government Chairmanship since 1999.
“Axis One has produced eight Chairmen since 1999, while Axis Two has produced only three,” Otoikhila stated.
Monopoly of Power
Of greater concern to the group is the current political monopoly. Axis Two pointed out that the Chairmanship seat has been domiciled in the Ihievbe community of Axis One since 2018, with the prospect of continuing there for a fourth consecutive term. This scenario means that one community within one axis would have controlled the key executive position for twelve uninterrupted years.
The marginalization, according to Otoikhila, extends far beyond the chairmanship, with Axis One monopolizing virtually all major political appointments in the local government. He reeled off a list of lopsided positions, respectfully bringing the issue to the attention of Governor Monday Okpebholo:
- The sitting Local Government Chairman – Axis One
- A serving State Commissioner – Axis One
- The Secretary to the Local Government – Axis One
- A Special Adviser to the Governor – Axis One
- MD, Edo Jobs – Axis One
- Commissioner, EDSIEC – Axis One
- A Federal Board Member – Axis One
- Resident Electoral Commissioner, INEC – Axis One
- Commissioner, Public Complaints Commission – Axis One
In stark contrast, Axis Two, which Otoikhila stressed “consistently delivers the bulk of APC votes in Owan East,” is left with nothing of significant political influence.
Demand for Equity
Despite the internal conflict, Otoikhila was quick to reaffirm the group’s loyalty to the APC and the leadership of Governor Okpebholo. However, he warned that loyalty should not be mistaken for weakness.
“Axis Two has been patient. We have been loyal. We have continued to deliver votes to our great party, the APC. But loyalty must not be mistaken for weakness,” he asserted.
The group concluded with a clear demand: “We demand, in the spirit of equity, that the next Chairman of Owan East Local Government Council must come from Axis Two (2). This is consistent with our local rotational arrangement.” Otoikhila clarified that the protest “is not a fight against Axis One. This is a fight for fairness for Axis Two, and for the long-term survival and credibility of our great party in Owan East.”
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