Some flood victims and youths in the Iyekhei zone, Auchi, Edo State, have accused the administration of Monday Okpebholo of neglect and marginalisation of the Iyekhei Quarters, one of the areas most impacted by gully erosion and environmental crisis.
The youths under the auspices of Auchi Dynamic Youth Iyekhei Zone stated this in reaction to Governor Okpebholo’s recent inspection of gully erosion sites in Auchi.
According to a statement signed by Oseni Osigbemhe Alidu, Chairman of Auchi Dynamic Youth Iyekhei zone in Auchi, Edo State, and made available to journalists on Thursday, the group described the exclusion as a bitter experience for key sons and daughters of Iyekhei community who have remained dedicated to President Bola Tinubu’s administration and are committed to his re-election in 2027.
The statement, however, expressed gratitude for the governor’s response to the Auchi Youth Council’s call to address the gully erosion threatening the community but criticised the omission of Iyekhei Quarters from the governor’s visit, calling it a “disturbing and unjust” oversight.
The group emphasised that the erosion in Iyekhei endangers lives, properties, and vital infrastructure, making the exclusion particularly concerning.
“The governor’s failure to visit Iyekhei sends a message of exclusion and marginalisation to our people,” said Oseni Osigbemhe Alidu, Chairman of Auchi Dynamic Youth Iyekhei Zone.
“Every quarter in Auchi deserves equal attention and intervention, especially in a matter as serious as environmental degradation and public safety.”
The group said, “It’s so disheartening that Iyekhei, which stands firm as one of APC’s strongest hoods, which produced the likes of Late Alhaji Usman Shagadi, a man who brought APC to Etsako West, and by extension Edo North, is giving such unfair treatment by the APC-led administration.”
The group renewed its commitment to peaceful advocacy but vowed to remain resolute in defending the rights and dignity of Iyekhei residents.
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It urged the state government to prioritise immediate action to address the erosion crisis in their community and ensure equitable treatment for all affected areas in Auchi.
The group said it has remained committed to the All Progressives Congress, APC, since 2023, delivering for the party in all elections, and was among the first to kickstart the Tinubu Door-to-Door Campaign for re-election in 2027, hence calling for attention in its community.
