By Abiola Olawale
Billionaire business icon, Chief Dr Leemon Ikpea, OON, CON, JP, FNSE, who is also the Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Lee Engineering Group and Allied Companies Limited, at the weekend, hosted the Governor of Edo State, His Excellency Senator Monday Okpebholo, to a glamorous homecoming event at his beautiful country home in Ewatto, Esan South East Local Government Area of Edo State.
The New Diplomat reports that Chief Ikpea, an iconic billionaire business titan and oil and gas mogul, hosted the event to welcome Okpebholo to a resounding homecoming at Ewatto, Esan nation and indeed Edo State, following the governor’s victory at the tribunal last week.
It was gathered that the groundbreaking homecoming event comes as an excellent occasion to welcome Governor Okpebholo home following his recent affirmation as the duly elected Governor of Edo State by the Election Petition Tribunal.
Recall that the tribunal, in a ruling last week upheld Okpebholo’s victory in the September 21, 2024, gubernatorial election of Edo State.
The event held at the country home of Chief Ikpea drew a vibrant crowd of community leaders, captains of business, traditional rulers, and residents who all gathered to honour Okpebholo’s resilience and leadership.
Dr Leemon Ikpea, who is highly respected for his genuine commitment to the development of Esanland and a distinguished philanthropist cum humanist, known for his unwavering, exceptional contributions to the development of Esan land, spared no efforts in ensuring that the celebration reflected the pride and unity of the people.
Also, Okpebholo used the occasion to inspect a state-of-the-art medical facility under construction in Idumuiyase, Ewatto. The Edo State Governor was taken around the gigantic and impressive hospital building and facilities being built by Chief Leemon Ikpea as part of his philanthropic gesture for the area. Many people present took time to applauded Dr Ikpea’s initiative for his patriotism and philanthropy. Okpebholo was full of praise for the Billionaire business giant.
Similarly, Dr. Ernest Ahamioje, Founder, Dr. Ernest Ahamioje Projects Initiatives, in a press statement issued on Monday praised Chief Ikpea for not only hosting the grand celebration in honour of Okpebholo but for fostering community development and unity
He commended Chief Ikpea, saying “Your commitment to celebrating this milestone is a testament to your unwavering support for the development and growth of our beloved Esanland.”
Also, Hon. Kennedy Pullen applauded Chief Ikpea, saying: “I also want to express my deepest appreciation for your remarkable philanthropic efforts, particularly the construction of an ultra-modern hospital for your community and the entire Esanland. Your selfless contributions to the well-being and development of our people are a shining example of exceptional leadership.
“On behalf of the good people of Esan South East LGA, Ubiaja, I urge leaders across parties in Edo State to unite in supporting Governor Okpebholo’s administration. Let us work together to drive progress, peace, and prosperity in our beloved state.
“Once again, congratulations, Chief Leemon Ikpea, on your outstanding achievements and contributions to our community.”