(ii) CHIEF IGBINEDION THE FAMILY MAN

Additionally, as his wife, she sees to the effective running of the home. Chief Igbinedion's home is so large that it constitutes its own government and the governor is Lady Cherry Igbinedion; "the First Lady of the Igbinedion family" as affirmed by her step-son, Lucky Igbinedion, during his marriage to Eki Lilian Oyemwense on 14th September 1985. As Lady Cherry admits, "I play the supportive role moulding and guiding all the children to ensure we remain a strong family unit. There is no question of a dull moment in our home. To be the wife of Chief Gabriel Igbinedion whose towering stature exudes enormous energy is not easy. I am involved in structuring the daily life of my husband who is an incredible combination of attributes, but more than all being his best friend."

As a Chief and traditional Benin man, Chief Igbinedion would not disclose the number of his children. But going by the ones known to us, the Esama has well­bred and educated children. A number of them, notably Lucky (his eldest son), Mabel (his eldest daughter), Bright, Charles, Peter, Frederick, Michael, Philomena, Patience, Okuonzee and Ehi have all successfully completed their higher education and are well placed in their respective endeavours of life. The first of the children, Lucky Igbinedion, was a one time Chairman of the Oredo Local Government Council, the premier council in Edo State. He is also a politician of top quality, who contested for the Edo State gubernatorial seat, the highest political office in the State in the election of 1991. Today, he is in the private sector of the economy running a multi-million naira enterprise including Liman Bravo Mortgage Bank and Kiva Fish Company.

The other children are equally doing well. They are Executive Directors of the various departments of their father's vast business empire; Bright is in charge of all the bottling plants and the Crown Cork Company; Peter runs the Okada Airline, the most formidable private airline in the country; and Charles is the Managing Director of West Construction Company and the fast growing mass communication industry, Igbinedion Television Broadcasting (Cable) Company. Mabel, the Chief's first daughter, a Lawyer by profession and a graduate of Buckingham University, is at present the Legal/Company Secretary of the Crown Merchant Bank. Frederick has graduated as a Medical Doctor from Howard University Medical School, Washington USA, now specializing in obstetrics and gyneacology. Michael, a Masters degree holder in Political Science from the same University, is now a law graduate of Warwick University in the U.K.

Chief Igbinedion takes delight in investing in the education of his children in that he cherishes education for all, and that, "my people shall not perish for lack of knowledge". Moreover, on a number of occasions, Chief Igbinedion has been known to comment favourably on the need for education. He believes "strongly in education", convinced that "education remains the bedrock of societal development ..." and as such it "remains the most priced legacy that can be bestowed from generation to generation".
Chief Igbinedion is a father who encourages and supports his children in their legitimate desires in life. He is proud of their personal achievements and their contributions to the sustenance of the legacy he has dedicated his life promoting.

Investing in the education of his children has paid off tremendously. The first generation of his children are already well placed educationally or otherwise to withstand the stress of time. The younger children are no less prepared to face the challenges of life, they even exude a greater promise. In the final analysis, Chief Igbinedion would have emerged as successful in the management of his family as he has been in the management of his business empire.

Apart from his immediate family, Chief Igbinedion also maintains a good relationship with the other members of the extended family. An interview with some of his elder relatives, notably Chief West Erhabor, the lyase of Benin Kingdom and Mr. Sonny Omorogbe revealed that the Chief enjoys their love and co-operation. Omorogbe commented favourably on Chief Igbinedion's commitment to the education and welfare of his children and his overall concern for all his relatives.

:: THE ESAMA OF BENIN

:: IGBINEDION THE FAMILY MAN

CONCLUSION

This website has attempted to unfold Chief Osawaru Igbinedion from the cradle to manhood and from a humble beginning to a position of enermous affluence...READ ON