Chief Lucky Nosakhare Igbinedion (born 13 May 1957)[1] is a Nigerian politician who served as the governor of Edo State from 1999 to 2007.[2] He is a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).[3]
Lucky Igbinedion | |
|---|---|
| Governor of Edo State | |
| In office 29 May 1999 – 29 May 2007 | |
| Deputy | Mike Oghiadomhe |
| Preceded by | Anthony Onyearugbulem |
| Succeeded by | Oserheimen Osunbor |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Lucky Nosakhare Igbinedion 13 May 1957 |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Political party | Peoples Democratic Party |
| Spouse | Eki Igbinedion |
| Children | 6, including Osasu |
| Parent | Gabriel Igbinedion |
| Education | MBA |
| Alma mater | |
| Profession | Politician |
| Website | www |
Early life and education
editLucky Nosakhare Igbinedion is the eldest son of Gabriel Igbinedion, the Esama of the Kingdom of Benin.[4] He holds a BSc in marketing (1982) from the University of Wyoming in Laramie, and an MBA (1983) from Jackson State University, Mississippi,United States.[5]
Career
editIgbinedion was appointed Mayor of Oredo Municipality (a local government area in Nigeria) in 1987 and held the position until 1989. In 1989, he was voted the Best Mayor in Nigeria and received an Award for his developmental efforts.[6]
In December 1991, as a candidate of the National Republican Convention (NRC), he unsuccessfully ran for the office of governor of Edo State against the candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), John Odigie Oyegun.[7][8]
Igbinedion was elected governor of Edo State in April 1999 Edo State gubernatorial election under PDP and was reelected in 2003. He and his deputy, Mike Oghiadomhe, held office from 29 May 1999 to 29 May 2007.[9]
During the period of his governorship, he established the Edo State Polytechnic, Usen and was elected by his colleagues as Chairman of the Nigerian Governors' Forum (NGF).[10]
His wife, Eki Igbinedion, was active against the widespread sex trafficking of women from Edo State to Europe.[11] Eki Igbinedion founded the Idia Renaissance, a non governmental organization to combat trafficking in persons.[12]
After leaving office
editIn January 2008, he was declared wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on allegations of financial fraud. The EFCC accused him of having embezzled US$24 million (£12m) using front companies. He handed himself over later that month.[13][14] The Benin Youth Council asked for an apology for statements implying he ran away from justice.[15]
In December 2008, he was convicted by a court, but was controversially asked to pay a paltry sum of $25,750 in fines.[16]
In November 2021, he was also invited by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over alleged criminal diversion of public fund to the tune of 1.6bn. He has not been charged since then.[17][18]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ "Where is Lucky Igbinedion?". www.dailytrust.com.ng. Archived from the original on 4 February 2018.
- ^ "EFCC detains ex-governor Igbinedion over alleged N1.6 bilion fraud". 11 November 2021. Retrieved 25 May 2022.
- ^ "peoplesdemocraticparty.com.ng - Bethesda, MD". peoplesdemocraticparty.com.ng. Retrieved 5 July 2024.
- ^ "The story of Igbinedion University by the founder". PM News. 7 September 2023. Retrieved 15 April 2024.
- ^ Admin. "Lucky Igbinedion". Africa Confidential. Retrieved 27 January 2019.
- ^ Admin. "Lucky Igbinedion biography, net worth, age". Manpower. Retrieved 29 January 2019.
- ^ Aziken, Emmanuel (11 June 2016). "Odigie-Oyegun: A cat with nine lives". Vanguard News. Retrieved 15 April 2024.
- ^ "Chief John Odigie Oyegun V. Lucky Nosa Igbinedion & Ors (1992) LLJR-CA - LawGlobal Hub". 9 April 2024. Retrieved 15 April 2024.
- ^ "Lucky Nosakhare Igbinedion (2006-2007)". nggovernorsforum.org. Retrieved 5 July 2024.
- ^ Admin. "Lucky Nosakhare Igbinedion (2006-2007) - Nigeria Governors' Forum". NGF. Retrieved 27 January 2019.
- ^ "Nigeria: How We Made Prostitution Unattractive for Italy-Bound Girls - Igbinedion". allAfrica.com. 23 September 2012.
- ^ Inyang, Ifreke (23 September 2012). "How we made prostitution unattractive for Italy-bound Edo girls - Eki Igbinedion". Daily Post Nigeria. Retrieved 5 July 2024.
- ^ "Wanted Nigerian hands himself in". BBC. 21 January 2008.
- ^ "Nigeria: Igbinedion Reports to EFCC, Detained and convicted with an option of fine". AllAfrica.com. 21 January 2008.
- ^ Nigerian Tribune Archived 29 February 2008 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Daramola, Kunle (4 May 2024). "AT A GLANCE: 33 prosecuted, six convicted... EFCC's corruption cases against ex-governors". TheCable. Retrieved 9 July 2024.
- ^ "EFCC arrest former Edo state governor Igbinedion ova N1.6 billion fraud allegation". BBC News Pidgin. Retrieved 15 March 2023.
- ^ "EFCC invites Lucky Igbinedion over alleged N1.6bn Fraud". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. 12 November 2021. Retrieved 15 March 2023.
- ^ Kenneth (1 May 2024). "List Of Governors Of Edo State (1990-Present)". NaijaDetails. Retrieved 5 July 2024.