Tenebe, Okpebholo Driving Generational Shift In Edo APC — Osa-Ogbegie

A Benin-based legal practitioner and public intellectual, Daniel Osa-Ogbegie, has said the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State under Governor Monday Okpebholo and State Chairman Jarrett Tenebe is spearheading a generational shift designed to create opportunities for younger political leaders.

Osa-Ogbegie stated this in a statement made available to journalists in Benin City on Saturday, where he defended the current leadership of the party against criticisms from some quarters.

According to him, Edo politics had for years been dominated by a small circle of politicians who rotated public offices among themselves, limiting opportunities for younger and capable individuals to participate actively in governance and party administration.

He argued that the current APC leadership had shown courage in breaking away from that tradition by deliberately opening up political space for a new generation of leaders.

“Much of the criticism directed at Jarrett Tenebe today is rooted in the discomfort of those who feel threatened by the ongoing generational transition within the APC. What is happening is a deliberate effort to open up political space for younger and competent Edo people,” Osa-Ogbegie said.

The legal practitioner noted that the emergence of younger leaders across party structures and government institutions reflects a conscious effort by the administration to promote political renewal and leadership development.

He pointed to the appointment and emergence of youthful political figures within the party and government, including APC Deputy State Chairman Sylvester Aigboboh, as well as several commissioners, special advisers, board chairmen and local government administrators.

According to him, these appointments demonstrate a clear departure from what he described as the era of recycled political leadership.

At the grassroots level, Osa-Ogbegie cited the emergence of young leaders such as Austin Imafidon in Uhunmwode, Sunny Ekpeson in Etsako, Eric Osawaru in Ikpoba-Okha and Gabriel Iduseri in Oredo as evidence of the party’s commitment to empowering younger generations.

He added that the rise of Aitalegbe Ernest, popularly known as “China Boy,” in Owan further underscored the growing acceptance of youthful leadership within the APC.

Osa-Ogbegie also highlighted appointments in government agencies and strategic sectors, noting that younger professionals are increasingly being entrusted with leadership responsibilities.

He cited Pastor Stanley Dave Ighodaro of the Edo State Parks and Gardens Agency and Special Adviser on Oil and Gas, Kassim Otono, as examples of professionals whose appointments reflect the administration’s commitment to attracting youthful expertise into governance.

Commending Governor Okpebholo, Osa-Ogbegie said the governor understands that modern governance requires innovation, technological awareness and stronger engagement with younger demographics.

“No political party can continue recycling the same political machinery indefinitely and expect innovation or long-term relevance. Governor Okpebholo understands that governance must evolve with society, and that is why younger people are being given meaningful opportunities to contribute,” he said.

He also praised Tenebe for helping to stabilise the APC while managing what he described as a difficult but necessary transition process within the party.

According to him, the ongoing changes are not aimed at sidelining older politicians but at ensuring broader participation across generations.

“History may eventually remember Jarrett Tenebe and Governor Monday Okpebholo as key figures who initiated the movement away from recycled political dominance toward a broader leadership culture that accommodates younger generations.

“This is not about sidelining elders; it is about ensuring that every generation has the opportunity to participate in shaping the future of Edo State,” Osa-Ogbegie added.