The political earthquake that may emerge when the spirit of the Binis awakens to a new era of political consciousness and collective realism, By Nelson Ogbemudia

In every political generation, there comes a moment when conversations about leadership, succession, influence, political and regional balance begin to dominate public discourse. Edo State, with its rich political history, sophistication, and cultural identity, is currently experiencing one of such moments. Yet, beyond the emotions, alignments, assertiveness, and partisan calculations that naturally accompany politics, there is a deeper issue demanding careful reflection: the need for fairness, thoroughness, consistency, and mutual respect in the way political actors and regional interests are engaged.

As an APC member and a political observer in Edo State particularly, one cannot ignore the increasing narratives surrounding age, political relevance, and the continued participation of certain leaders in Edo politics. However, it is equally important to caution against selective arguments that appear designed to target specific individuals while overlooking similar realities elsewhere within the same political structure.

Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, at 63 years old, remains one of the most experienced and recognizable political figures in Edo State, especially from the Bini stock. Over the years, he has built a reputation as a grassroots politician with deep connections across communities, religious circles, and party structures, that was deployed to assist the governor to emerge against all odds, when he was a senator during the gubernatorial primaries. Whether one agrees with his politics or not, his relevance in the Edo political space cannot be denied. His decades of service, empowerment strategy, influence, and political resilience continue to make him a subject of national and regional political conversations.

What makes the current debate particularly interesting is the apparent inconsistency in how political age and retirement are being discussed, by party leaders. Across Nigeria, there are numerous senior political actors who remain actively involved in governance, policy-making, electoral strategy, and legislative representation well into their seventies and beyond. Edo State itself is not exempt from this reality.

Senator Adams Oshiomhole, now 74 years old, remains one of the most influential political personalities in Nigeria. His continued presence in active politics demonstrates that political participation is not determined solely by age but by relevance, political energy, experience, strategic value, and the support base a leader commands. In democratic societies, citizens reserve the right to either renew or withdraw that confidence through elections and public engagement.

This naturally raises a fundamental question: if age is to become the central criterion for political retirement, should that principle not apply universally and consistently across all political actors, regardless of region, influence, or affiliation? It becomes difficult to justify a situation where one leader is persistently reminded of his age while others significantly older continue to enjoy broad political acceptance and institutional accommodation.

This is precisely why many neutral observers believe the debate should evolve beyond personalities and focus instead on competence, leadership capacity, political vision, and the ability to mobilize development for the people. Democracy functions best when political actors are assessed through objective standards rather than selective narratives driven by convenience or factional interests.

More importantly, the conversation must avoid degenerating into regional antagonism. Edo State is a delicate political and cultural ecosystem built on mutual coexistence among Edo South, Edo Central, and Edo North. Every region carries its own historical significance, political contributions, and cultural pride. Attempts to diminish or ridicule leaders from any particular zone can easily create perceptions of exclusion, disrespect, or coordinated marginalization.

This concern is especially sensitive among many Binis, who historically see themselves as a people deeply rooted in diplomacy, intellectual refinement, political consciousness, and statesmanship. The Bini political culture has traditionally emphasized strategic thinking over emotional confrontation, calculated engagement over reckless aggression, and long-term influence over impulsive reactions. It is therefore understandable why many within Edo South may perceive repeated attacks on some of their prominent political figures as unnecessary provocations rather than constructive democratic criticism.

There is a growing sentiment in certain circles that the political establishment should be careful not to push the Bini political consciousness into a defensive posture. While the Binis are widely regarded as accommodating and politically sophisticated, history has also shown that they possess a strong capacity for collective political mobilization whenever they perceive threats to their identity, influence, or leadership relevance.

The danger in modern politics often lies not in open disagreement but in accumulated resentment. Political dismissiveness, repeated public ridicule, and the perception of unequal treatment can gradually create a fertile ground for regional solidarity movements. Such developments are rarely healthy for political stability, especially in a state where balance and cooperation among senatorial districts remain critical for long-term peace and development.

There are already subtle indications that some political stakeholders in Edo South believe their patience and moderation are being mistaken for weakness. The feeling that certain leaders from the region are being unfairly targeted while others are protected could eventually inspire stronger political realignments ahead of future electoral cycles, particularly as the state moves toward the 2028 political season.

For Governor Monday Okpebholo and other political leaders across the state, this moment calls for careful political management rather than triumphalism. Political victories are temporary, but political relationships and regional trust are long-term assets that must be protected. Any perception that a region is being politically diminished or strategically sidelined could produce unintended consequences capable of reshaping future electoral calculations in Edo State.

It is also important to note that leadership within the Bini political structure cannot simply be imposed externally or sustained through transactional alliances. The Binis have historically been politically independent-minded and highly conscious of leadership authenticity. This explains why some political observers remain skeptical about individuals perceived as lacking organic grassroots legitimacy within Edo South, regardless of their alliances or external support structures.

At the same time, moderation remains essential. Political discourse should not descend into hostility, inflammatory rhetoric, or threats of domination. Edo State has progressed politically because, despite disagreements, there has always been an underlying recognition that no single region can sustainably govern in isolation from the others. Political cooperation remains the foundation of the Edo project.

The solution therefore lies not in provocation or retaliation, but in mutual respect, strategic engagement, and political inclusiveness. Leaders across all senatorial districts must recognize the importance of language, symbolism, and perception in maintaining political harmony. Public commentary should strengthen democratic participation, not deepen regional anxieties or widen existing fault lines.

Ultimately, democracy is designed to allow the people themselves determine who remains politically relevant. Neither age nor media narratives alone can retire a politician. Political relevance is sustained by influence, public support, electoral viability, and the ability to remain connected to the aspirations of the people. Once those elements disappear, politics naturally evolves and new leaders emerge.

Until then, all political actors deserve equal standards of evaluation and engagement.

Edo State stands at an important political crossroads. The choices made now — in rhetoric, strategy, and leadership conduct — will shape the tone of the state’s politics for years to come. Wisdom therefore demands restraint, balance, and fairness from all sides.

The Binis, like every other ethnic and regional bloc in Edo State, seek dignity, inclusion, and respect within the broader political framework of the state. Their history, contributions, and political sophistication are undeniable. But equally undeniable is the fact that Edo’s future can only be secured through cooperation among all its constituent regions.

The politics of exclusion may produce temporary victories, but only the politics of inclusion can produce lasting stability.

Peace remains the most strategic path forward.

■ Nelson Ogbemudia, Ph.D. DBA, MBA, writes in from Abuja.