Charles Idahosa, a formidable and vocal figure in the political landscape of Edo State, has died at the age of 72. The former Commissioner for Information and longtime political strategist passed away unexpectedly, sending shockwaves through the state’s political circles.
Idahosa, widely known by the nicknames “Akakasiaka” and “Charlie Tempo,” was a central player in Edo politics for decades. His death was confirmed by sources close to his family, who described it as sudden and shocking. A family source stated that Idahosa was in good spirits and receiving visitors at his home on the morning of his passing, with no prior indication of illness.
His political career was marked by high-profile alliances and dramatic shifts. He served as Commissioner for Information under the administration of Governor Lucky Igbinedion. He later became a key insider as the Political Adviser to Governor Adams Oshiomhole throughout Oshiomhole’s eight-year tenure. This close partnership, however, would not last.
A defining chapter of his career was his very public fallout with Oshiomhole. Idahosa aligned himself with Godwin Obaseki during the political crisis between Obaseki and his predecessor, Oshiomhole. His defiance was captured in the title of a book he authored, “The Fall of the Last Godfather.” He followed Obaseki to defect from the All Progressives Congress to the Peoples Democratic Party in 2020 to secure Obaseki’s re-election.
Yet, in a characteristic display of his independent political stance, Idahosa also publicly fell out with Governor Obaseki after the re-election victory. He was among the first prominent figures to openly criticise the governor post-election, leading to his return to the APC. Demonstrating his enduring influence, he became an early and active supporter of the current Governor, Monday Okpebholo, and was reportedly the first to release campaign jingles for Okpebholo’s election bid.
Tributes have begun pouring in from across the political spectrum, acknowledging his strategic mind, outspoken nature, and significant role in shaping modern Edo politics. He is remembered as a fearless commentator and a master political tactician whose loyalties were fiercely held but ultimately dictated by his own principles.
