Edo guber: Edo SSG, Ogie, resigns to contest as Ighodalo’s running mate

From Tony Osauzo, Benin

Ahead of the September 21st governorship election, the Secretary to Edo State Government (SSG), Mr. Osarodion Ogie, has formerly resigned his position to pursue a political ambition.

He tendered his resignation last Friday, August 9, 2024 having been nominated as the running mate to Dr. Asue Ighodalo, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate.

Ogie, while speaking, explained that his resignation was in tandem with the Electoral Law, which mandates political appointees who want to contest elections to resign 30 days before the election.

“It was in fulfilment of this requirement that I had to resign to face my deputy governorship ambition in the forthcoming election in the state,” he said.

Meanwhile, Ogie’s resignation has attracted positive reactions with the Publisher of Midwest Herald, Orobosa Omo-Ojo, describing him as a colossus who bestrode Edo State politics and shaped it like no other statesman.

A member of the cabinet class of 2012 with Ogie in the administration of Comrade Governor Adams Oshiomohle, Omo-Ojo said: “Politics would not be in such perilous state if more players followed Ogie wise, but ruthlessly pragmatic approach to it.

“The humane, Clement and tolerant Osarodion Ogie, bows out of office as Secretary to Edo State Government after a meritorious service that lasted two months short of 16 years,” he said

Speaking in same vein, the twin brother to former Chief of Staff (CoS) to Governor Godwin Obaseki, Taiwo Francis Akerele, Kehinde Ozeto Akerele, while congratulating Ogie, described him as a great man who has always operated an open door policy both in the office and at home.

“The first time I had a personal encounter with you (Ogie), I went home thinking so the SSG is like this. From the gate to your living room nobody asked me who I was looking for. Next day you asked me to see you in the office with another person, it was still the same thing – all doors were open. Indeed you are a great man. I wish you well in your future endeavours, good health, long life and prosperity sir,” Akerele said.

Recall that Osarodion Ogie was the Principal Partner, Osarodion Ogie & Co. He was also Chief of Staff (CoS) to Governor Adams Oshiomohle in 2008 and was later appointed Commissioner for Works from 2012-2016.

Governor Godwin Obaseki appointed him as SSG, a position he held until his resignation.