Lucky Igbinedion

Chief Lucky Nosakhare Igbinedion (born 13 May 1957) is a Nigerian politician who served as the governor of Edo State from 1999 to 2007. He is a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Early life and education
Lucky Nosakhare Igbinedion is the eldest son of Gabriel Igbinedion, the Esama of the Kingdom of Benin. He holds a BSc in marketing (1982) from the University of Wyoming in Laramie, and an MBA (1983) from Jackson State University, Mississippi,United States.

Career
Igbinedion was appointed Mayor of Oredo Municipality (a local government area in Nigeria) 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.

In December 1991, as a candidate of the National Republican Convention (NRC), he unsuccessfully ran for the office of governor of Edo State against the candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), John Odigie Oyegun.

Igbinedion was elected governor of Edo State in April 1999 Edo State gubernatorial election 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 (NGF).

His wife, Eki Igbinedion, was active against the widespread sex trafficking of women from Edo State to Europe. Eki Igbinedion founded the Idia Renaissance, a non governmental organization to combat trafficking in persons.

After leaving office
In January 2008, he was declared wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on allegations of financial fraud. The EFCC accused him of having embezzled US$24 million (£12m) 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.

In December 2008, he was convicted by a court, but was controversially asked to pay a paltry sum of $25,7500 in fines.

In November 2021, he was also invited by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over alleged criminal diversion of public fund to the tune of 1.6bn. He has not been charged since then.