By George Ozalla
Daughter of the newly inaugurated Edo Central lawmaker speaks with pride as Senator Joseph Ikpea takes the oath of office, pledging service, humility, and renewed hope for his people.
The atmosphere around the National Assembly complex in Abuja on October 8, 2025, was electrified with emotion and anticipation as friends, family, and well-wishers travelled from across Edo State and beyond to witness the inauguration of Senator Joseph Ikpea. Representing the Edo Central Senatorial District, his swearing-in marked a moment of immense pride and promise—a small-town son from Ewatto, Esan South-East Local Government Area, who against long odds rose to occupy one of the nation’s most visible seats of legislative power. Among the jubilant faces stood his eldest daughter, Miss Evidence Ikpea, whose smiles, calm poise and heartfelt words captured the warmth and weight of the occasion.
Speaking to newsmen shortly after the ceremony, she introduced herself with excitement, saying, “My name is Evidence Ikpea. We are here to witness the inauguration of the brand-new Senator Joseph Ikpea, who happens to be my father.” Her voice brimmed with pride as she reflected on his journey, describing him as a man forged by hardship and strengthened by faith. “In one word, I will describe my father as a fighter. Being an orphan at a very young age —he lost his mother when he was barely twelve—he grew up with his two brothers in humble circumstances. Coming from Ewatto, a minority area in Edo State, to this national limelight is nothing short of inspiring. I am very proud of him, and I expect him to carry his people along, to lift Edo State higher. I trust him completely; there is no stopping him.”
When asked what earned him the overwhelming support of his people, Miss Ikpea recalled his years in grassroots leadership. “When he was local government chairman, he sponsored numerous activities of non-governmental organizations and rebuilt schools from his personal pocket, without government or state funding. I know for a fact that my dad has done a lot for people. You know he also has a foundation. He has helped children, mothers, widows, and even those who are not related to him. Many call him father because of his caring and loving nature. I am proud of all the good deeds he has done to impact lives.”
Pressed further on whether Edo people could expect the same dedication in his new role, she responded with conviction, “He was barely a chairman and he did his best; as a senator, he will do ten times better than he ever did. I can bet anything on that promise. I know my father.”
Away from the politics and celebration, her tone softened as she spoke about his role at home. “My father always makes time for us no matter how busy he is. He doesn’t like when I don’t reply to his messages—he likes to stay in touch constantly. He is protective of us and very close-knit with the family. I am his first daughter, his baby, and he doesn’t play about me, my siblings, or my mom. Growing up in Warri, I remember our Sunday outings to Mr Biggs and supermarkets, those little routines that made family time so special. Even now, after a long day, he listens patiently and shares in our laughter. He is a great observer and a loving, listening father.”
Her words turned reflective as she sent a message to the people of Edo State. “I pray and wish that the good people of Edo will continue to support the government and my father in his quest to deliver the best of democratic dividends. With unity of purpose, we can achieve a lot as a state.”
Senator Joseph Ikpea’s journey to the Senate is one deeply rooted in service and perseverance. A native of Ewatto in Esan South-East, he began his public career with active roles in community development and local governance before rising to serve as Executive Chairman of Esan South-East Local Government Council. His performance in that capacity earned him widespread recognition for rebuilding schools and supporting youth and women’s initiatives from personal funds. He later served as Commissioner for Minerals, Oil and Gas under the administration of Governor Godwin Obaseki, where he was credited for introducing greater accountability in the extractive sector before resigning in 2020 on grounds of principle and personal conviction. His political influence deepened when he emerged as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the Edo Central Senatorial District following the vacancy created by the election of Senator Monday Okpebholo as Governor of Edo State. In the August 2025 by-election, Ikpea polled an impressive 105,129 votes to defeat his closest rival, Joe Okojie of the Peoples Democratic Party, who scored 15,146 votes, a victory that showcased his grassroots popularity and deep community trust.
At his inauguration in the hallowed red chamber, Senator Ikpea, beaming with smiles and gratitude, dedicated his victory to the people of Edo Central and promised to uphold the ideals of service and accountability. In his brief but stirring remark, he thanked Governor Okpebholo for his guidance and pledged to continue the vision of inclusive governance for which Edo Central had become known. “This victory,” he said, “reaffirms the people’s faith in our capacity to deliver. I will not disappoint them. I am here to work for every son and daughter of Edo Central, to ensure that development and progress reach the grassroots where they matter most.” He promised to focus his legislative efforts on strengthening education, improving healthcare, supporting youth entrepreneurship, and upgrading infrastructure across communities in Esanland.
