LIONFACE NEWS INTERNATIONAL

  CHIEF FRANCIS MOMOH: A BUSINESS TYCOON AND FAST GROWING POLITICAL FIGURE IN EDO STATE Lionface News Desk Hon Daniel Asekhame  Chief Francis Momoh stands tall as one of the most influential business and community leaders of his generation, a man whose name resonates with excellence, generosity, and leadership across Lagos State and Edo State. As the Chief Executive Officer of FROT Company, a mega enterprise with interests spanning building construction, hotel development, and other strategic investments, Chief Momoh has carved a solid niche for himself as a foremost entrepreneur and symbol of modern African success. Beyond his achievements in business, Chief Francis Momoh is widely recognised as a renowned art collector, boasting a private collection valued at several millions of naira. His passion for art reflects a deep appreciation for culture, history, and creativity, placing him among Nigeria’s elite collectors and cultural patrons. This rare blend of commerce, culture, ...

  The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Owan West Local Government Area has stepped up high-level consultations to bring on board one of the most influential political figures in the area, Sir (Hon) Tunde Alex Ikhidero, as part of its strategic drive to strengthen the party’s structure and grassroots reach, particularly in the Iuleha axis with strong emphasis on Eruere community. Sir Tunde Ikhidero is widely regarded as a towering pillar in Owan West politics, whose experience, pedigree and political capital have continued to shape political conversations across the local government and the wider Owan federal constituency. A former aspirant for the House of Representatives, Sir Ikhidero’s foray into federal politics firmly positioned him as a leader with vision, courage and capacity to mobilise across wards and communities. Hailing from the popular and respected Ikhidero family of Eruere, Sir Tunde commands organic loyalty and deep-rooted influence, especially within the Iuleha ...

By Hon Daniel Asekhame  Orhiomwon Local Government Area has emerged as a major battleground in Nigeria’s unfolding political realignment as a massive wave of decampees from the ruling and opposition parties openly pitched their tent with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), declaring an end to politics of deception, exclusion, and failed leadership. The historic gathering, which marked the official unveiling of ADC activities in Orhiomwon LGA, was led by towering political figures and grassroots leaders, including Senator Roland Owie , Senator Uzamere , Dr. Isaiah Osifo , and the Leader of ADC in Orhiomwon LGA, Don Festus Osagie Osagbiovo . The event attracted a multitude of ADC supporters, party faithful, youths, women, and new members whose presence underscored the growing loss of confidence in the current political order. Addressing the energized crowd, the leaders delivered hard-hitting speeches, condemning the present government as grossly incapable of providing security, de...

Owan and the Politics of Deception: Greed, Weak Leadership, and the Betrayal of Rotation   Owan land is today confronted with a dangerous tale of lies—one carefully woven to mask greed and justify political desperation. The current member of the House of Representatives is allegedly telling sections of the community that “the presidency wants some people back,” all in a bid to secure a third tenure in the House. This claim is not only misleading; it is insulting to the intelligence of the Owan people. How can the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria selectively “want people back” without any regard for the long-established rotational dynamics of Owan land? The presidency neither manages nor determines local rotation arrangements. Such stories are clearly fabricated to deceive the electorate and create a false sense of inevitability around personal ambition. This is not leadership; it is naked greed. This pattern is sadly familiar in African politics, where politicians seek ...

By Hon Daniel Asekhame  On January 10, 2026 , residents and students in Ekpoma, Edo State took to the streets to protest an escalating wave of kidnappings and insecurity in their community — particularly around Ambrose Alli University (AAU) , where fear has become part of daily life. What began as a peaceful demand for safety quickly became a flashpoint for deeper political dysfunction across Nigeria. Within days, 52 young Nigerians — including dozens of university students — were arrested , remanded in prison under charges including malicious damage and armed robbery, and held at Ubiaja Correctional Centre . Critics say the arrests were indiscriminate and, in many cases, unconstitutional — with students reportedly being picked up from their hostels in late-night police raids , not at the protest scene. Civil society groups and political figures have condemned the government’s response as an assault on democratic rights rather than an effort to secure the lives and property o...

  Nigeria today wears the tragic mask of a republic, but in truth behaves like a banana state—lawless, unjust, and hostage to a political elite that has lost all sense of purpose, morality, and national duty. The rule of law has collapsed. Justice has been auctioned. Governance has been reduced to endless power struggles, personal vendettas, and reckless looting of public resources. Those elected and appointed to serve the people have abandoned development. Instead of building roads, schools, hospitals, and industries, they fight one another like vultures over political appointments, contracts, and access to public funds. Governance has become warfare, and the Nigerian people are the casualties. The greatest tragedy of this failure is the total collapse of the legislature—both at the national and state levels. The National Assembly and most State Houses of Assembly have surrendered their constitutional responsibilities. Rather than act as watchdogs of democracy, they have becom...

By  Hon Daniel Asekhame  A wave of civil unrest has erupted in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State, as citizens take to the streets in protest against the persistent failure of government to safeguard lives and property. The riot and mass protest represent a collective outcry against the alarming escalation of kidnappings and senseless killings that have turned once-peaceful communities into theatres of fear and mourning. This spontaneous uprising is not an act of lawlessness but a desperate expression of public anguish. It is a damning indictment of the Edo State Government under Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, and by extension, the Federal Government of Nigeria, both of which have woefully abdicated their constitutional responsibility to provide security for the people. When citizens are forced to protest for the most basic right—the right to live without fear—it is a clear signal of systemic governance failure. Rather than confronting the growing in...