In 1986, legendary Pan-African liberation singer, multi-talented and proud Esan son from Edo State, Sonny Okosun, now of blessed memory released the evergreen “Now or Never” song. That was 38 years ago.
In that song, the Ozziddi King as he was fondly called, challenged Africans and Nigerians to brace up and salvage their continent and country to enable them keep it for good both for them and their children yet unborn. And if they don’t, then they stand to lose it forever.
For proper context, the lyrics of the beautiful song rendered in both English and Igbo languages is reproduced below (only the English part, however).
If you replace “Africa,” “Nigeria,” and “Freedom” with “Edo” in Sonny Okosun’s song, you get “Edo, it’s now or never.” This message is powerful and immediate, vividly confronting the people of Edo. The upcoming September 21 governorship election presents a critical juncture for the state: a chance to either secure its future or lose it indefinitely. It’s a moment to choose progress over regression, light over darkness, and to break free from insecurity and poverty while embracing growth and prosperity—or risk deeper misery under the current All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership.
The song’s message challenges Edo people to vote for competence, vision, and action, as embodied by Dr. Asue Ighodalo and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to ensure the state’s continued progress. Conversely, it urges rejecting the APC’s candidate, perceived as inadequate and uninspiring, who could lead to stagnation and decline.
For Edo State, the choice is “Now or Never” to elect Dr. Ighodalo, who promises to advance the state to new heights as outlined in the “Pathway to Prosperity for All” manifesto. It’s essential to reject mediocrity and deny those who wish to control the state through inadequate leadership. The prevailing view is that Edo’s enlightened and discerning electorate will choose to secure the state’s future by supporting the PDP and Ighodalo in the upcoming election.
*Etakibuebu, a public affairs analyst, wrote from Benin City.
