Confusion in parts of Edo State on Friday after a campaign event organised by the Deputy Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Osamwonyi Atu, was disrupted by protesting youths in Orhionmwon East Constituency.
The lawmaker had arrived in Abudu, the administrative headquarters of Orhionmwon Local Government Area, to formally kick off his re-election campaign when the situation took an unexpected turn.
Hundreds of youths stormed major roads in the town, effectively halting the planned rally and creating a tense atmosphere.
The protesters, who identified themselves as Concerned Orhionmwon East Youths, openly rejected Atu’s campaign, accusing him of failing to deliver on key promises made during the 2023 elections.
Chanting slogans and wielding placards, they expressed deep frustration over what they described as years of neglect.
Among their grievances was the persistent lack of electricity in the area, which they claimed has lingered for over 15 years.
They also decried the state of an abandoned comprehensive school project, describing it as a symbol of unfulfilled commitments to the community.
The demonstration disrupted movement across parts of Abudu, as protesters occupied strategic locations, forcing residents to either stay indoors or seek alternative routes. Security presence was reportedly reinforced to prevent the situation from escalating into violence.
Responding to the incident, Atu dismissed the allegations raised by the youths, attributing the unrest to opposition against the Assembly’s recent anti-cultism legislation. He maintained that the law was necessary and would remain in force.
“Those protesting are pained by the anti-cultism law. The law has come to stay,” he said.
Also reacting, the Coordinator of the Osamwonyi Atu Campaign Organisation, Martins Ozakpolor, alleged that the protest was politically orchestrated. According to him, a rival aspirant sponsored the disruption in a bid to discredit the Deputy Speaker ahead of the elections.
Ozakpolor further defended Atu’s performance, insisting that the lawmaker had delivered tangible projects in the constituency. He specifically cited the construction of a comprehensive school, countering claims by the protesters that the project was abandoned.
Despite the disruption, the campaign team said the visit recorded some level of success. They noted that Atu was received by members of the Abudu Elders Council, who offered prayers in support of his re-election bid.
The incident underscores growing political tension in the constituency as the next election cycle approaches, with competing narratives emerging over performance, accountability, and grassroots support.