Edo State is mourning the loss of a political titan. Hon. Charles Idahosa, the man known affectionately by titles as grand as “Charlie Temple” and “Akakasiaka,” passed away in Benin City on Saturday, December 20. He was 72.
For over thirty years, Idahosa wasn’t just a witness to Edo’s history—he was often the one writing it. Whether as a commissioner, a strategist, or a sharp-tongued critic, he remained a permanent fixture in the state’s corridors of power.
The Voice of the Government
Idahosa first became a household name under Governor Lucky Igbinedion, serving as the Commissioner for Information and Orientation. He wasn’t a man of soft words; he was known for a “combative” and robust style of communication. You didn’t have to agree with him to respect his ability to defend a policy with absolute conviction.
From his early days as the Director of Public Affairs at Government House to his time representing the state on the board of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Idahosa proved he was a master of the media.
A Master Strategist
If you wanted to win an election in Edo, you wanted Charles Idahosa in your corner. He was a founding father of the progressive movement that eventually birthed the APC in the state. During Adams Oshiomhole’s eight-year tenure, Idahosa served as a key Political Adviser, acting as the bridge between the grassroots and the Government House.
However, Idahosa was never a man to be “owned” by a party. His career was defined by bold, sometimes controversial shifts. In 2020, during the height of the rift between the APC and Governor Godwin Obaseki, Idahosa made the high-stakes move to the PDP. Many analysts believe his tactical support was a major reason Obaseki secured a second term.
The Return Home
True to his unpredictable nature, Idahosa’s time with the PDP ended as sharply as it began. After rising to the PDP Board of Trustees, he resigned in 2024 following a fallout with the administration, eventually returning “home” to the APC.
He remained politically active until the very end, never losing his reputation for bluntness. He even immortalized his views on power in his book, The Fall of the Last Godfather, a raw look at the state’s internal power struggles.
A Fearless Legacy
Today, the political divide in Edo has vanished momentarily as leaders from all parties pay their respects. From his supporters to his former rivals, the consensus is the same: Edo has lost one of its most fearless voices.
Charles Idahosa was a mentor to the young and a challenge to the powerful. While he may be gone, his influence on the evolution of Edo politics will be felt for decades to come.
