Elder Odion Magnus Ugbesia

Former Minister of Solid Minerals (2003-06)

Date of Birth: 28/01/1949
Place of Birth: Ubiaja, Edo State

Education: BA, Political Science, University of Illinois, United States; Masters, International Relations, North Eastern Illinois University, USA.

Career: Lecturer, Department of Political Science, University of Benin, 1987-89; Minister of State for Internal Affairs; Minister of Solid Minerals, 2003-06; Senator, Edo State, 2007 to date.

Commentary: Odion Ugbesia was once an assistant of Chief Tony Anenih, one of the most powerful men in Edo State; one of Ugbesia's daughters married Anenih's son, Iriobe Anenih in 2008. Anenih wanted Ugbesia to stand as the People's Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial candidate for Edo State in 2007, but Olusegun Obasanjo supported the candidacy of Osariemen Osunbor, cousin of his late wife Stella.