‘My Vision of Transformative Leadership Will Benefit Edo State’
a member of the Nigeria Economic Summit Group since its inception in 1996, ultimately serving as Chairman of the Group; I have been a member of the Edo Economic team for 16 years, and Chair of the Alaghodaro Summit for the last eight years.
So, for me, this is an escalation of work I have always been committed to. What I’ve realised is that, there’s only so much one can achieve in an advisory role; at the end of the day, the government and/or leader remain in the driver’s seat.
And, by the grace of God, I find myself in a place where the firm I’ve built with my Founding Partner, Femi, can stand on its own. We’ve grown from Two founders to 15 partners, and are consistently ranked globally amongst the best firms in the world: some of the Lawyers who joined us as Corpers have been developed into internationally ranked experts. So, I’ve come to a point where I feel I can step away with confidence that our good work will continue. That’s the test of institution building.
Transitioning from a successful law career to governance, is a deliberate choice to scale my impact. It's about applying my problem-solving skills, understanding of the law, and management experience to broader societal challenges. Edo State is at a critical juncture, facing socio-economic issues that need innovative solutions and committed leadership, which I am ready to provide.
So, it’s time. It’s a confluence of will and readiness, and I think the elements have lined up to make it possible for me to offer myself for public service at this time, if the good people of Edo State will have me.
In the Edo political equation, especially the PDP, your Senatorial Zone, Edo Central is unarguably in line to produce the next Governor, as the other two Senatorial zones have produced the last two Governors. But, aspirants in other parties are arguing stringently that such arrangement is only known to the PDP, but strange to the other parties, like Labour Party. This, according to some, would be the major issue in the election. What is your position on this?
I cannot presume to make rules, for organisations that I’m not a part of. In the PDP, where I am a member and therefore, have a voice, the issue is on the table. My personal view is that wherever possible, equity should be a consideration, although certainly not the only one. There are declared candidates in the party, at this time, who are not from Edo Central, and they have not – as far as I know – been disqualified from running.
The sentiment for zonal rotation is understandable, in promoting fairness and unity. While I acknowledge this, my campaign is built on a vision of transformative leadership that benefits all of Edo State, not just a single zone. I believe in inclusive governance that brings together the best talents and ideas from across the State, regardless of their Senatorial zone.
While balance is always useful, to promote a sense of belonging in a multi-ethnic, multi- lingual State, I am putting myself forward first as a capable, competent, and committed son of Edo State, qualified to run against any candidate, regardless of where they are from in the State, from any party.
Your traducers have alleged that you are a stranger to Edo politics and practically unknown in Edo. How would you react to this? Of course, the other side of the coin is that everyone is always a stranger to politics when they start. However, you are an astute boardroom Business Lawyer, having chaired many reputable corporate organisations, like Sterling Bank PLC, Dangote Flour Mills, etc, as well as being the Founding Partner of one of Nigeria’s leading law firms, Banwo & Ighodalo. How do you think this may have prepared you for leadership as a State Chief Executive?
It sounds to me like you’ve answered the first question. Being new to the political scene doesn’t make me new to the State, or any less a citizen and son of the State than the next aspirant. No Edo man, is more Edo than the other. On the other hand, being perceived as an outsider in politics can be an asset, bringing fresh perspectives and innovative solutions untainted by the status quo.
My extensive experience in the corporate world has equipped me with the leadership, strategic planning, and ethical governance skills necessary to lead Edo State effectively. I aim to translate these capabilities into public service to foster development, efficiency, and integrity.
At the end of the day, identity is in the heart of the individual, it is about how you define yourself and where your roots and affinities lie, it is not something that “traducers,” as you have characterised them, can be allowed to define for me. I have a home in my village, I am no stranger to the people of Ewohimi, and by the time this process ramps up, I will be no stranger to people all across Edo State. So, to me that’s small talk by small-thinking people; it’s not an issue we should continue to give oxygen to.
The issue should actually be: “Do I understand the challenges of the people, and do I believe I can deliver solutions?” The answer to both questions is emphatically yes, and I am happy to answers questions about that.
Across the political parties, there are at least 10 Lawyers who have indicated interest in the race. What would you say stands you out against them? What is to your advantage?
Well, first of all I will be running against Lawyers and non-Lawyers, depending on who emerges in the primaries; so, it’s a bit one-sided to focus exclusively on the Lawyers.
That said, I don’t know if you know this - although I have practiced law for nearly 40 years, law was actually a second degree for me. My first degree is in Economics. I’ve spoken earlier about my activities in national development and the economy, alongside legal practice, so perhaps, that in itself is a differentiator.
What also distinguishes me from other Lawyer candidates is not just my professional expertise, but my comprehensive leadership experience, my ability to drive large-scale initiatives, and my track record in ethical corporate governance. I have a holistic vision for Edo State that encompasses economic revival, social welfare, and sustainable development, grounded in the rule of law and justice.
What are the highlights of your agenda for Edo State, if you are elected as the next Governor? How do you intend to generate IGR for your State? The complaint is that many Governors prefer to sit in
Abuja to collect their monthly Federal Government allocation, instead of actually trying to generate revenue
My agenda for Edo State is built around 5 touch points, each focused on the people of the State and their challenges, which in turn will define my priorities as Governor. My administration will focus on:
a) Transforming our People’s Lives by addressing their basic needs – (food, decent housing, a living wage, health & education);
b) Building Infrastructure, especially roads, to make life easier for our people and to boost our State’s economy;
c) Security of Lives and Property as the bedrock of our peace and prosperity;
d) Inclusive & Transformative Economic Growth, to accelerate the people’s prosperity; and
e) Improving Governance and our Public Service, to deliver the people’s government.
My focus will remain on touching lives positively. Every time I look at my hand, which I will hold up as I take the oath of office, I am reminded that each finger represents a touch point we have identified as critical to the development and transformation of Edo State, and that my focus must remain on touching lives. Hopefully, that answers your first question.
To the second question about IGR, we will address internally generated revenue through improved tax collection, attraction of tax-paying businesses to the State, revenue-generating investments paired with capital from other participants, etc. The fact is, no State in Nigeria can attain the level of development it needs to sufficiently change the lives of our citizens on FAC allocations, or even current IGR alone. We must attract significant additional investment – local and foreign – and we must put in place the structures, laws and enabling environment to attract and keep those investments.
Sometimes, I shudder at the arrogance and insensitivity of our governments towards investors and investments. We run around the world begging investors to come, but, forget the most fundamental principle; in deciding where and if to invest, new investors watch how those currently invested are treated. I don’t understand why governments have not