By Abiola Olawale
The Ikpea family of Ewatto Kingdom in Edo Central as well as well wishers and friends, trooped out on Sunday to celebrate the victory of Dr. Joseph Ikpea, the newly elected senator for Edo Central Senatorial District, at a Thanksgiving Mass held at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Ewatto, Esan South East Local Government Area.
The New Diplomat reports that the ceremony, which was attended by the Head of the Ikpea dynasty and billionaire business icon, Chief Dr Lee Ikpea, CON, brought together associates, friends, community leaders, supporters, and well-wishers. It was a moment of gratitude and appreciation for the Ikpea family over the success of their son, Senator-elect Joe Ikpea in the August 16, 2025, bye-election.
Chief Dr Lee Ikpea, the billionaire oil and gas business mogul, who is also the Adolor of Ewatto Kingdom, used the occasion to express appreciation to God Almighty, the governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, friends, well wishers, community leaders, good will people from far and near, and numerous persons, who demonstrated uncommon support for the Ikpeas, resulting in the triumph of his younger brother-Senator-elect Joe Ikpea- at the polls.
Recall that Dr Joe Ikpea, representing the All Progressives Congress (APC), secured a commanding victory in the bye-election, filling the senatorial seat vacated by Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo after his gubernatorial win on September 21, 2025.
In his own address, the Senator-elect, Dr Joe Ikpea underscored his commitment to serving Edo Central with integrity and dedication. “This victory is not mine alone—it belongs to every man, woman, and youth in our communities who believed in a brighter future,” he said. “I am here to serve, uplift, and deliver on the promises we made together.”
