Matthew Iduoriyekemwen biography, political career, net worth, controversies

Matthew Aigbuhenze Iduoriyekemwen is a Nigerian politician, businessman, and former federal commissioner who represented Edo State in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) from 2005 to 2009.

He previously served two terms in the Edo State House of Assembly, representing Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area from 1999 to 2007, and held the position of Majority Leader during his first term.

Until recently, Iduoriyekemwen was a key member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), serving as Director-General of the Asue/Ogie Campaign Council.

However, in a letter dated July 17, 2025, he announced his resignation from the PDP, citing unresolved internal issues at both state and national levels.

Profile details

Name: Matthew Aigbuhenze Iduoriyekemwen

Born: May 2, 1966

Place of birth: Edo

Education: University of Benin

Religion: Christianity

Relationship status: Married

Career: Politician

Background

Born in Benin City, Edo State on May 2nd, 1966,  Matthew Iduoriyekemwen is the first child of Pa Joseph Osayi Iduoriyekemwen (JP) and Mrs. Josephine Otasowie Iduoriyekemwen of Amagba community.

He attended Uwa and Ohuoba Primary Schools before proceeding to Immaculate Conception College, Benin City, for his secondary education.

He earned a B.Sc. in Zoology with second-class upper division honours from the University of Benin.

During his undergraduate years, he served as president of the National Association of Zoology Students (Edo Chapter) and is credited with founding the university’s taxidermy museum.

He completed his National Youth Service at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan. He later pursued a law degree (LL.B Hons) at Ambrose Alli University.

Political career

Iduoriyekemwen made his political debut in 1999 when he was elected to the Edo State House of Assembly.

He was Majority Leader between 1999 and 2003 and chaired the House Committee on State Security in his second term.

Party affiliations

As a founding member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State since 1998, Matthew Iduoriyekemwen remained a consistent figure within the party for several years.

He vied for the PDP governorship ticket in both 2012 and 2016. In the 2016 primaries, he emerged as the winner under the faction led by Ali Modu Sheriff.

However, the outcome was later voided by the Supreme Court after it ruled against Sheriff’s leadership, rendering the primary election invalid.

In 2022, Iduoriyekemwen secured the PDP’s ticket to contest for the Edo South Senatorial seat.

Amid internal party crises in 2017, he defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) alongside then-House of Representatives member Ehiozuwa Agbonayinma.

During his time in the APC, he held key responsibilities, including serving as Chairman of the party’s primary election committee in Kaduna State in 2018 and leading the APC mobilisation committee in Edo State in 2020.

He returned to the PDP in 2020 with Governor Godwin Obaseki during the run-up to the Edo gubernatorial election.

However, in a letter dated July 17, 2025, Iduoriyekemwen formally announced his resignation from the party, citing unresolved issues affecting the PDP at both the state and national levels.

Other political offices held

Secretary, UNPP, Oredo LGA (1997–1998)

Edo Coordinator, Yar’Adua/Jonathan Campaign Organization (2005)

Chairman, APC Primary Election Committee, Kaduna State (2018)

Chairman, Edo APC Mobilisation Committee (2020)

Personal life

Matthew Iduoriyekemwen is married to Dr. (Mrs.) Nosa Iduoriyekemwen, a consultant paediatric nephrologist at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) and an associate professor at the University of Benin.

They have two children. He is an avid golfer and serves as the Captain of the UBTH Golf Club in Benin City.

Net worth

Matthew Iduoriyekemwen’s estimated net worth is currently around $2 million and $4 million, accrued from decades in politics, business ventures, and public service, including his time as an NDDC commissioner and lawmaker.