Edo marks 35th anniversary, while the Governor celebrates 56th birthday, writes JOHN MAYAKI
As Edo marked 35 years of statehood, Governor Monday Okpebholo turned 56 two days later. What followed was more than a birthday celebration: senators, former governors, traditional rulers, Benin leaders, party chiefs, political aspirants, government officials, grassroots groups and the Diaspora turned newspaper pages and digital platforms into an extraordinary exhibition of political goodwill. Some returned to the newspapers for a second day. But beyond the applause lies the bigger question: what will remain when the advertisements disappear?
There are birthdays that pass with cakes, prayers and handshakes. And there are birthdays that become a measure of a political moment.
The governor turned 56 at a moment rich in symbolism. Edo itself had marked 35 years since its creation only two days earlier, on August 27. One anniversary celebrated the journey of a state. The other celebrated the man currently entrusted with its direction.
For one remarkable weekend, the two stories converged. Across national newspaper pages and digital platforms, congratulatory messages poured in. Senators, former governors, traditional rulers, party leaders, commissioners, political candidates and aspirants, government officials, grassroots organisations and Edo people in the Diaspora joined the celebration. The messages differed in language and emphasis, but repeatedly returned to a common theme: development.
