Edo State, situated in Nigeria's southern region, has had various leaders since Nigeria gained independence in 1960, both military and civilian. After independence, Nigeria had only three regions, and the area of the future Edo State was located in the Western Region. The Mid-Western Region was separated from the Western Region in August 1963 and had Dennis Osadebay as its first premier. Osadebay served until January 1966, when he was replaced by David Akpode Ejoor, the first military governor. Control of the region was contested during the Biafran War (1967–1970), and Ejoor was replaced by Samuel Ogbemudia. Ogbemudia governed the Mid-Western State from September 1967 to July 1975. The region was renamed and reorganised as the Bendel State on 17 March 1976, its name a combination of the old Benin and Delta provinces. Notable governors during this time period include George Agbazika Innih, Husaini Abdullahi, and Ambrose Folorunsho Alli. Ogbemudia also returned for a three-month stint as a civilian governor in 1983 before the military reasserted control.

The modern Edo State was established on 27 August 1991, following the division of Bendel State into Edo State and Delta State. John Odigie-Oyegun became the first civilian governor of Edo State from January 1992 to November 1993, followed by military governors. In the democratic era, Lucky Igbinedion served from 1999 to 2007, and was succeeded by Oserheimen Osunbor. Adams Oshiomhole served from 2008 to 2016, followed by Godwin Obaseki, who was re-elected in 2020. Monday Okpebholo has been the incumbent governor since 2024.

List of governors Western Region The Western Region was governed by a premier and a ceremonial governor. From October 1954 to December 1959, Obafemi Awolowo served as the region's first premier, during which he implemented the Universal Primary Education programme. He was succeeded by Samuel Ladoke Akintola, who held the position until the region's political crisis escalated in the early 1960s. Meanwhile, Adesoji Aderemi served as the Governor of the Western Region, a largely ceremonial role that represented the British monarchy until Nigeria became a republic in 1963. The premier was responsible for the region's executive functions.

In 1962, a political crisis occurred when Governor Aderemi dismissed Akintola following allegations of corruption and maladministration. This led to a state of emergency in the region. During the emergency, Moses Adekoyejo Majekodunmi was appointed as the temporary administrator, displacing the region's political leadership. After six months, Akintola was reinstated as premier following a court ruling overturning his dismissal. The political instability during this period contributed to the regional tensions that persisted even after the Western Region was split and the Mid-Western Region was created in 1963.

Mid-Western Region

The Mid-Western Region of Nigeria was created on 9 August 1963. The region was carved out of the Western Region, becoming Nigeria's fourth region. The Mid-Western Region initially had a premier, but later military governors would also serve as the chief officials.

Dennis Osadebay served as the region's first civilian leader, and was premier from August 1963 to January 1966. Political turmoil led to military administrations, starting with David Akpode Ejoor in January 1966. The region was taken by the Biafran Armed Forces during the Nigerian Civil War, with Albert Okonkwo administering the area from August to September 1967 on behalf of Biafra.

Samuel Ogbemudia served as military governor from September 1967 to July 1975.

+ Governors and Military Administrators of the Mid-Western Region, NigeriaPortrait NameTitleTerm in officeNotes1 Dennis OsadebayPremier–January 1966First and only Premier of the Mid-Western Region2 David EjoorMilitary Governor–August 1967First military governor following the 1966 Nigerian coup d'état3 Albert OkonkwoAdministrator–September 1967Administered the region under Biafran control during the Nigerian Civil War 4 Samuel OgbemudiaMilitary Governor–July 1975Known for post-war reconstruction and development projects

Bendel State Following administrative changes in Nigeria, the Mid-Western Region was renamed Bendel State on 17 March 1976. This renaming was part of a broader national effort to reorganise Nigeria's states and local governments, under the regime of General Murtala Mohammed.

George Agbazika Innih was the first military governor of Bendel State. He was followed by Husaini Abdullahi, who governed from March 1976 to July 1978. Abubakar Waziri served as the military administrator from 24 July 1978 to 30 September 1979. Ambrose Folorunsho Alli was elected as the first executive civilian governor in October 1979 under the Unity Party of Nigeria and served until September 1983. Samuel Ogbemudia was elected as a civilian governor under the National Party of Nigeria, and briefly served from October to December 1983. His brief tenure was due to the 1983 military coup to oust Alhaji Shehu Shagari and install Muhammadu Buhari as military head of state.

Jeremiah Timbut Useni took office in January 1984 and led till 27 August 1985, followed by John Mark Inienger from September 1985 to July 1988. Jonathan Tunde Ogbeha governed from July 1988 to August 1990, and John Ewerekumoh Yeri served from August 1990 to August 1992. The state was divided into Edo and Delta States on 27 August 1991 with Yeri serving as the first military governor of the newly formed Edo State.

+ Executive Governors and Military Administrators of Bendel State, NigeriaPortrait NameTitleTerm in officeNotes1 George Agbazika InnihMilitary Governor–March 1976Oversaw the transition period following Ogbemudia's administration.2Husaini AbdullahiMilitary Governor–July 1978Continued military governance during the era of General Olusegun Obasanjo's military regime.3 Abubakar WaziriMilitary Governor–30 September 1979Also served as a brigade commander for Nigeria Army Benin City.4 Ambrose Folorunsho AlliExecutive Governor–September 1983Elected as the first civilian governor of Bendel under the umbrella of the Unity Party of Nigeria.5 Samuel OgbemudiaExecutive Governor–31 December 1983Brief return to civilian rule, under the umbrella of the National Party of Nigeria, before the 1983 military coup.6Jeremiah UseniMilitary Governor–27 August 19857 John Mark IniengerMilitary Governor–July 19888Jonathan Tunde OgbehaMilitary Governor–August 19909John Ewerekumoh YeriMilitary Governor–27 August 1991Last military governor before the creation of Edo and Delta States.

Edo State Edo State was established on 27 August 1991, following the division of Bendel State into Edo and Delta States. Edo State, with Benin City as its capital, has a cultural heritage and economic potential. The state has experienced various governance phases, including military and civilian administrations.

John Ewerekumoh Yeri served as the first military governor from August 1991 to January 1992. He was succeeded by John Odigie Oyegun, the first civilian governor, who served from January 1992 until November 1993. Subsequent military administrations included Mohammed Abul-Salam Onuka, Bassey Asuquo, Baba Adamu Iyam, and Anthony Onyearugbulem, who governed until the return to civilian rule in 1999.

A new office was created for the 1999 elections, that of deputy governor of Edo State. Deputies were elected on a joint ticket with the gubernatorial candidate, and thus share the same party by default. In 1999, Lucky Igbinedion was elected governor. He served two terms, until 2007. He was followed by Oserheimen Osunbor, Adams Oshiomhole, and Godwin Obaseki. In 2024, Monday Okpebholo was elected governor.

+ Military and Executive Governors of Edo StatePortrait NameTerm in officePartyElectionD. Governor1John Ewerekumoh Yeri–January 1992MilitaryN/AOffice did not exist2John Odigie Oyegun–November 1993 SDP19913Mohammed Abul-Salam Onuka–14 September 1994MilitaryN/A4Bassey Asuquo–22 August 1996MilitaryN/A5Baba Adamu Iyam–7 August 1998MilitaryN/A6Anthony Onyearugbulem–29 May 1999MilitaryN/A7Lucky Igbinedion–29 May 2007 PDP199920038Oserheimen Osunbor–11 November 2008 PDP20079Adams Oshiomhole–12 November 2016 ACN20072012 APC10Godwin Obaseki–12 November 2024 APC2016 PDP202011 Monday Okpebholo–Incumbent APC2024

See also List of governors of Abia State States of Nigeria List of current state governors in Nigeria

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