Former Edo Commissioner Charles Idahosa Dies at 72
Charles Idahosa, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Commissioner for Information in Edo State, has died at the age of 72.
A source close to the family described his death as sudden and shocking. “Daddy was full of life this morning. As usual, he came downstairs receiving people. I don’t know what happened; it is shocking,” the source said.
Idahosa, fondly known as Akakasiaka and Charlie Tempo, was a prominent and outspoken figure in Edo State politics.
He served as Commissioner for Information during the administration of former Governor Lucky Igbinedion and later became the political adviser to Adams Oshiomhole throughout Oshiomhole’s eight-year tenure as governor.
A seasoned political strategist, Idahosa played key roles across multiple political transitions in the state. He initially aligned with Governor Godwin Obaseki following Obaseki’s fallout with Oshiomhole and was a strong public defender of the former governor.
His support during that period culminated in the publication of his book, “The Fall of the Last Godfather,” which chronicled the political rift and power struggle in Edo State.
In 2020, Idahosa defected alongside Obaseki from the APC to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the governorship election. However, relations between the two later deteriorated after Obaseki’s re-election. Idahosa was among the earliest politicians to openly declare his disagreement with the governor’s second-term leadership.
Following the fallout, he returned to the APC and remained politically active until his death. He was notably the first to release campaign jingles in support of Governor Monday Okpebholo during the most recent governorship election, underscoring his continued influence within the party.
Tributes are expected to pour in from political associates, party leaders, and supporters across Edo State and beyond, as many remember Idahosa for his bold opinions, loyalty to causes he believed in, and decades-long impact on the state’s political landscape.
Details of burial arrangements are yet to be announced by the family.
