Lucky Igbinedion


Lucky Nosakhare Igbinedion was the governor of Edo State in Nigeria from 29 May 1999 to 29 May 2007. He is a member of the People's Democratic Party.

Early life and education

Lucky is a son of Gabriel Igbinedion, Esama of the Kingdom of Benin. He holds a BSc in marketing from the University of Wyoming in Laramie, and an MBA from Jackson State University, Mississippi, in the United States.

Career

Chief Igbinedion was appointed Mayor of Oredo Municipality in 1987 and held the position until 1989. In 1989, he was voted the Best Mayor in Nigeria and received an Award for his developmental efforts.
Lucky Nosakhare Igbinedion was elected governor of Edo State in April 1999 under PDP and was reelected in 2003. He and his deputy, Mike Oghiadomhe, held office from 29 May 1999 to 29 May 2007.
During the period of his governorship, he established the Edo State Polytechnic Usen and was elected by his colleagues as Chairman of the Nigerian Governors' Forum.
His wife, Eki Igbinedion, was active against the widespread sex trafficking of women from Edo State to Europe.

After leaving office

In January 2008 he was declared wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on 142 counts of financial fraud. This concerns allegations that he embezzled 24 million using front companies. He handed himself over later that month. The Benin Youth Council asked for an apology for statements implying he ran away from justice.