Of Okpebholo and Idahosa: A Rare Brotherhood in Government

By: Fred Itua

Every now and then, something rare happens in politics and it doesn’t shout. It doesn’t come with billboards or press releases. It simply shows up in how people treat each other, how they talk about each other behind closed doors, and how they work when nobody is watching.

That’s what we’re seeing in Edo State today.

The relationship between Governor Monday Okpebholo and his deputy, Right Honourable Dennis Idahosa, is not just a political arrangement; it feels like something deeper. Something built on trust, respect, and the understanding that power works better when it’s shared, not hoarded.

It reminds me of the biblical friendship between Jonathan and David. Jonathan, the prince, had every reason to be threatened by David. He could have chosen ambition over alliance. But he didn’t. He chose to support the man destined for the throne because he believed in something greater than himself. That kind of loyalty—selfless, steady, and brave is what kept David grounded and eventually helped him succeed.

In our political reality, where deputy governors are often treated like spare tires or worse, where they plot and fight to stay relevant, Okpebholo and Idahosa have chosen a different path. One of respect, one of mutual backing. There’s no power tussle. No public drama. Just quiet collaboration.

And that, in a place like Nigeria where political tension often simmers just below the surface, is worth celebrating.

Anyone paying close attention would have noticed this calm unity: the body language at public events, the unforced smiles, the delegation of responsibilities without friction, the willingness to allow the other shine. That doesn’t just happen. It’s the result of a shared mindset of understanding that governance is not a one-man show.

Some may argue it’s still early days, and politics is never predictable. But even in its early form, this partnership is already teaching us a lesson: that loyalty is not weakness, and that a deputy who supports doesn’t lose his voice; he earns more relevance.

And the governor? Okpebholo is showing what true leadership looks like. The kind that isn’t afraid of good company. The kind that lifts others and doesn’t see every capable person as a threat.

Edo is better for it.

There’s a kind of peace that flows when the top two leaders in a state are in sync. Decisions get made faster. Ideas are shared openly. The people watching, even those who may not agree with the government begin to believe that maybe, just maybe, something is different here.

This is how legacy is built. Not just by executing projects, but by modeling leadership that is humane, humble, and united.

In a time when political headlines are filled with squabbles, suspensions, and showdowns, this quiet story of Okpebholo and Idahosa is refreshing. It is also instructive. It tells us that loyalty is not old-fashioned. It tells us that egos can be managed. And most of all, it tells us that Edo State is in steady hands.

Like David and Jonathan, they are not just working together; they’re walking the same path.

Happy Birthday, Your Excellency, Right Honourable Dennis Idahosa, the Dependable Deputy Governor of Edo State.

Oba Ghato Kpere… iseeeeeeeeeeee

Fred Itua is the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State.