Okpebholo’s God’s Mandate
4 min read
By John Mayaki
I chuckled when I came across the reasoning of some mere mortals disparaging the testimony of His Excellency, the Governor of Edo state, Senator Monday Okpebholo, where he said his mandate was ordained by God to develop Edo state and the foolish comments that trailed it.
Some persons even shared a publication of the Punch newspaper, titled: 𝐊𝐮𝐝𝐨𝐬, 𝐊𝐧𝐨𝐜𝐤𝐬 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐥 𝐎𝐤𝐩𝐞𝐛𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐨 𝐓𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐲 𝐀𝐭 𝐏𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐉𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐲 𝐄𝐳𝐞’𝐬 𝐂𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐡. In it, they questioned the role of God in his election as governor among others.
Several questions ran through my mind thereafter. Several analogies too. I remember how God works in ways that we cannot understand, “the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God”. We cannot understand too, his judgements, “How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out”.
Take for instance, the analogy of the farmer: the rain that nourished the bitterleaf is the same that sweetened the sugarcane – both of them comes with different results from the same soil and rain. See another analogy: One child is born, only to pass away within a week; another, born on the same day, lives for 120 years.
What sin had the first committed, or whom had he or she offended, to merit such a fate? The Yoruba people call it “Ipin” while in English language, it is known as “destiny”. There’s absolutely nothing anyone can do about this because, “it is God that showeth mercy”. You can’t question His decision neither His authority.
The Bible says, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways”. ….” he does great things beyond our understanding”. “Who can question him?”
And so, when the governor said his electoral victory was ordained by God to bring development to Edo state, he wasn’t wrong because nothing happens without the permission of God. You cannot vilify a man for acknowledging God as the source of his victory except for those who fail to appreciate the humility in the governor’s faith-driven approach to leadership.
Everywhere and since time immemorial, leadership is ordained by God, and not by man. And so, “let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.” This is the Bible and the word of God.
Leadership too is not a mere or random outcome of human ambition but a manifestation of divine will. Governor Okpebholo’s victory, which I fought against during the campaigns, is simply the evidence of God’s favour and purpose for the state. Who am I to fight the will of God? We saw examples in the Bible. From Joseph in Egypt to David in Israel. Examples abound.
For any leader to acknowledge the role of God in his or her journey, such has simply returned the glory to God. Nobody can share in God’s glory. None. Such leaders are also very likely to govern with humility, wisdom, and a sense of accountability. Have you not heard that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom? Or you have not heard that the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding?
The governor hasn’t testified to power as a personal trophy. No! It is only an ingrate that would not return to God for thanksgiving. Ignorance and ingratitude are part of our problem and was exhibited by those hateful commentators. See the story of the one leper who returned to give thanks after being healed. The Bible says, “he threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked Him.” Is that not an Okpebholo?
What manner of man is he that thinketh his achievements, victories and successes are as a result of his academic knowledge, wisdom, connection or the strength of his might? Whereas, when we are faced with personal challenges, we immediately remember God and ask for his intervention but today, we blame another person for recognizing that, “my help cometh from God”.
For Okpebholo looketh unto the hills, from whence cometh his help, his help cometh from God. Who made heaven and earth. This man needs our prayers and support and this is exactly what the Bible admonished us to do. Look at it, “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people – for Kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in godliness and holiness”. This is the duty we owe our leaders.
We all have a choice. I have decided on the path of joining hands with the governor to develop our state. And I urge all to consider this path. I would prefer to join a leader who puts God first in his victory and not by his power or might. A leader who has committed himself to serving God and the people. I am in support of the Okpebholo’s God’s mandate to develop Edo state.
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