By Harrison I. Okao PhD

There is an increasing chorus of voices aligning for unity among the people of Edo South. It is a noble aspiration, but one that risks becoming an empty slogan if it ignores the realities that have kept our people divided for decades.

Unity is not proclaimed into existence. It is built. It is earned. Above all, it is sustained by justice, fairness, trust and a shared belief that every member of society has a stake in the common good.

This is why the first question before us should not be, “How do we unite?” Rather, it should be, “Why have we remained divided?”

No meaningful reconciliation can take place without an honest diagnosis of the causes of disunity.

Why has politics in Edo South, in the eyes of many observers, become increasingly associated with political thuggery, greed, intimidation and violence instead of ideas, competence and public service?

Why have many distinguished sons and daughters of Edo South found greater opportunities to excel outside Edo State than within it?

Why do accomplished professionals, academics, entrepreneurs and technocrats often distance themselves from the political process at home while contributing immensely to the development of other states, national institutions and international organisations?

Why has public confidence in leadership continued to decline?

These questions are uncomfortable, but they are unavoidable.

A society that refuses to confront its challenges cannot expect lasting solutions. Calling for unity while refusing to address the structural and political conditions that created division is like prescribing medication without first identifying the disease.

The consequences are evident.

When merit is displaced by patronage, competent people withdraw from public life.

When intimidation replaces persuasion, decent citizens avoid politics.

When loyalty to individuals becomes more important than loyalty to institutions, governance suffers.

When citizens lose confidence that integrity and hard work will be rewarded, many seek opportunities elsewhere.

This explains why countless Edo professionals continue to distinguish themselves across Nigeria and around the world while remaining reluctant to participate actively in the political and developmental affairs of their homeland.

The loss is not theirs alone. It is a collective loss for Edo South.

History teaches that no political order is permanent. Every generation eventually demands a new social contract. Across the world, electorates have become more informed, more connected and less willing to tolerate poor governance.

The political shifts witnessed in several democracies remind leaders everywhere that public patience has limits. The younger generation is increasingly judging leaders not by ethnicity, political party, family background or political slogans, but by competence, integrity, accountability and measurable performance.

Edo South will not be an exception.

The youth are watching.

Professionals are watching.

The diaspora is watching.

Traditional institutions are watching.

Civil society is watching.

The demand is no longer merely for political victories; it is for responsible leadership capable of inspiring confidence across communities and generations.

The way forward is therefore neither empty rhetoric nor superficial displays of unity.

It is the deliberate construction of a political culture founded on justice, meritocracy, accountability, inclusion and respect for the rule of law.

Leadership should become accessible to those with ideas, character and competence—not merely those with political structures or the capacity to intimidate opponents.

Public institutions must become stronger than political personalities.

Politics should once again become an avenue for service rather than self-preservation.

Only under such conditions can genuine unity emerge.

People unite naturally where there is fairness.

They cooperate where there is justice.

They invest where there is confidence.

They return home where there is hope.

Edo South possesses abundant human capital, rich cultural heritage and enormous economic potential. What has often been lacking is not talent but the leadership environment required to harness that talent for collective progress.

As we look toward the future, let us resist the temptation to mistake slogans for solutions.

Unity without justice is fragile.

Unity without inclusion is temporary.

Unity without accountability is unsustainable.

But unity built on fairness, integrity and visionary leadership becomes a powerful foundation for peace, development and shared prosperity.

That is the kind of unity Edo South deserves.

That is the kind of leadership the next generation expects.

And that is the challenge before all who seek to lead.

— Ohen Osa Harrison I. Okao, PhD Director-General, Centre for Good Governance, Development and Socio-Cultural Advocacy