06/26/2026
BISHOP ORIAIFOH COMMENDS OKPEBHOLO'S ADMINISTRATION, CALLS FOR UNITY AMONG EDO LEADERS
By Our Correspondent
The Presiding Bishop of Ascending Tabernacle Worldwide, Eyaen, Benin City, Bishop Solomon O. Oriaifoh, has expressed satisfaction with the performance of Governor Monday Okpebholo's administration after one year and seven months in office, stating that the government is gradually fulfilling the expectations that informed his support during the election.
Speaking during an exclusive interview, Bishop Oriaifoh said he remains encouraged by the direction of governance in Edo State and believes that visible efforts are being made to improve the welfare of the people.
According to him, "Each time I am confronted with this question, my answer has always been the same: Yes, I am happy with the Governor and his administration. What I voted for is gradually becoming a reality."
The cleric noted that citizens benefit from government both directly and indirectly, stressing that good governance creates opportunities and an enabling environment that positively impacts everyone, regardless of personal connections to government.
"I worked and advocated for a greater Edo State because I desired a government that would place the interests of the people above personal interests. Looking at the developments taking place across the state, I can confidently say that there are visible efforts aimed at improving governance and delivering the dividends of democracy."
Bishop Oriaifoh emphasized that his support for the administration was never based on personal gain but on the expectation that the government would provide leadership capable of moving Edo State forward.
Speaking further on why he remains optimistic about the administration, the bishop disclosed that his support for Governor Okpebholo did not end with the election victory.
"Knowing the challenges other governors have faced in their bids to transform Edo State into a modern and prosperous state, I decided to act differently. After the election, I intensified my efforts by organizing a thanksgiving and prayer programme for the Governor. The event also featured the presentation of awards to some APC chieftains from Edo South and Edo North Senatorial Districts in recognition of the opportunity they gave us to contribute towards the betterment of Edo State."
According to him, the programme was held at the Assemblies of God Church, Oriogbeni Branch, by Ramat Park, Benin City, and was attended by people who desired peace, progress, and development for Edo State.
"Hear this: it is always good to do what is right. Doing what is right brings fulfillment. Bad things never have and never will lead to fulfillment. I supported the ticket of Senator Monday Okpebholo because I believed it was the right thing to do for the future of our state."
The bishop revealed that beyond the thanksgiving service, special prayers were offered for the peace, security, and development of Edo State.
"After we finished praying in the church on that memorable day, we proceeded to Ramat Park. There, within the roundabout, we offered prayers with symbolic items such as salt, water, and oil, declaring an end to insecurity, ritual killings, cult-related violence, agbero activities, and infrastructure deficits in Edo State. We proclaimed the emergence of a new order founded on peace, development, and responsible governance."
He explained that the prayer outreach continued to other strategic locations within Benin City.
"From Ramat Park, we moved to Ring Road (King's Square) and then to Five Junction, making the same declarations and intercessions for Edo State. Our prayer was simple: that God would restore peace, empower leaders with wisdom, and bring sustainable development to our people."
Reflecting on developments since then, the cleric expressed satisfaction that positive changes are becoming increasingly visible across the state.
"Today, there is evidence that our prayers were not in vain. Areas such as Obaseki Street, where the Assemblies of God Church is situated, have witnessed improvements. Ramat Park is telling its own story. Efforts to tackle cultism and insecurity are yielding results, and there is a renewed sense of hope among the people."
He added that Governor Monday Okpebholo's growing popularity across the state reflects the confidence many citizens have in his leadership.
"In fact, Governor Okpebholo has become like MTN—everywhere you go, people are talking about him. Whether one agrees with him or not, his presence is being felt across the state. What the people desire now is sustained progress, continuity in development, and a government that remains committed to the welfare of the masses."
The bishop, however, acknowledged that challenges still exist and that no administration can solve all problems overnight.
"Leadership should be assessed not only by promises made but also by the commitment shown toward fulfilling those promises. Governance is not about politics; it is about results."
While commending the administration, Bishop Oriaifoh also advocated for greater unity among Edo State's political leaders.
"I honestly hope to see the Governor fraternizing with our past governors. It will give me greater joy to see former governors invited to commission projects and participate in major state functions. Such actions will strengthen unity, promote continuity in governance, and demonstrate that the development of Edo State transcends political differences."
The respected cleric further used the opportunity to make a passionate appeal for reconciliation within the traditional institution of the Benin Kingdom.
Addressing the Enojies, he urged them to embrace peace and return to the authority and fatherly leadership of His Royal Majesty, Omo N'Oba N'Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, CFR, Oba of Benin.
"I appeal to the Enojies to return to our father, His Royal Majesty, Omo N'Oba N'Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, CFR, Oba of Benin. Differences may arise among men, but reconciliation remains the foundation of lasting peace and progress."
The bishop also made a heartfelt appeal to the revered monarch.
"To our father, His Royal Majesty, Omo N'Oba N'Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, CFR, Oba of Benin, I humbly say: please forgive us. To err is human and to forgive is divine. Your Majesty's willingness to embrace reconciliation and reunite all sons and daughters of the Benin Kingdom will further demonstrate the qualities that have made you a respected father, custodian of our culture, and symbol of our collective identity."
He noted that Edo State and the Benin Kingdom stand to gain more from unity than division and called on all stakeholders to place the collective interest of the people above personal disagreements.
At the conclusion of the interview, Bishop Oriaifoh offered prayers for the Governor, traditional rulers, political leaders, and the people of Edo State.
"As a clergyman, my prayer is that God grants Governor Monday Okpebholo wisdom, courage, and the right advisers so that the vision of a greater Edo State will be fully realized for the benefit of present and future generations. I also pray for peace, reconciliation, and unity among all stakeholders because a house united within itself is stronger, more prosperous, and better positioned to fulfill its God-given destiny."
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