Chief Sir Dr. Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion CFR: A Life of Influence, Generosity and Grandeur

By Senator Odion Ugbesia

Ninety-two years is no ordinary milestone. It is a remarkable journey through changing times, changing generations and changing circumstances. To attain ninty two years and remain a towering figure in the social, political, business and traditional life of Edo State is itself a story worthy of celebration.

Chief Sir Dr. Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, the Esama of Benin, is undoubtedly one of such remarkable men.

My memories of the Esama go beyond his flamboyant public image or the grandeur that has surrounded his name for decades.

I remember, in particular, a man of extraordinary energy, enterprise, generosity and influence; a man who understood the importance of relationships and knew how to deploy his considerable resources and connections in support of causes and people he believed in.

Our paths crossed at an important period in the history of our people, particularly during the struggle for the creation of Edo State. Although the Esama was not originally a member of the Steering Committee of the Movement, when his support was needed, he came through.

I still remember our visit to the National Assembly in Lagos to present the demand for the creation of Edo State. Through his personal relationship with the then Senate President, Joseph Wayas, the Esama helped secure a warm and dignified reception for our delegation within the chambers of the Senate. At a critical moment in our struggle, that gesture meant a great deal. It gave our delegation confidence and added visibility and credibility to our cause.

Then came the historic launching of the Edo State Movement at Ogbe Stadium.

The Esama was the Chief Launcher, and, true to his larger-than-life personality, he did not arrive quietly. His magnificent procession of chariots and horses turned his entrance into a spectacle that the crowd could not ignore.

The stadium came alive.

But beneath the pomp, pageantry and flamboyance was something much more important: commitment.

The Esama donated ₦50,000 to the Movement—an enormous sum at the time. His contribution was not merely financial. It was a public statement of confidence in the cause and an encouragement to others to identify with the struggle.

That was the Esama I came to know: a man who could combine grandeur with generosity, influence with accessibility, and flamboyance with substance.

He subsequently became one of the important pillars of support for the Movement, providing publicity materials, logistical assistance and other forms of support that helped sustain the campaign.

His resources and extensive network became valuable assets to a movement that needed both visibility and influential friends.

Looking back today, I realise that people like the Esama cannot be understood merely by the offices they held, the businesses they built or the titles they carried. Their true significance lies also in the moments when they chose to stand behind people, causes and aspirations larger than themselves.

The Esama’s life has been a remarkable tapestry of enterprise, tradition, politics, philanthropy, hospitality and public influence. He has lived through—and participated in—many chapters of Nigeria’s modern history.

At ninety two, therefore, we do not merely celebrate a birthday. We celebrate a life of impact.

We celebrate the Esama of Benin, a man whose presence has left an unmistakable imprint on Benin, Edo State and Nigeria.

Chief Sir Dr. Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, as you mark your 92nd birthday, I salute your remarkable journey, your resilience, your generosity and the extraordinary life you have lived.

May the years ahead bring you peace, good health, fulfilment and the satisfaction of seeing the generations you have influenced continue to build upon the foundations you helped lay.

Happy 92rd Birthday, Your Excellency, the Esama of Benin.
Ninety two years of life.
Ninety two years of influence.
Ninety two years of memories.

And a legacy that will continue to speak.