Akpata, Limits of Borrow Pose Politics in Edo
By Osagie Imasogie
Arising from a recent development, the “Son of the Palace” gaffe by Olumide Akpata has again brought to fore questions about his credibility and integrity for public office.
While on a courtesy visit to the Palace of the Oba of Benin, the Labour Party, LP, candidate, Olumide Akpata, in a rare show of desperation, introduced himself to His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo Oba Ewuare II, as a “Son of the Palace”.
The introduction left the revered Monarch bemused and he had to hurriedly halt the obvious attempt at identity theft by the former NBA President, clarifying that while he was a “son of the soil”, he was by no means a “son of the Palace”
This penchant for identity theft has practically characterised Akpata’s quest for the Edo State top job so far.
It will be recalled that he borrowed the “Obidient” identity in order to launch his governorship ambition in Edo. Everyone who had reasonably followed the Obidients since the build up to the 2023 General elections knows that Akpata was never a member of the Obidient Movement and never contributed to the growth of the Movement nor associated with it in any way in Edo State.
However, once he had succeeded in buying the Labour Party ticket in a governorship primaries that is still the subject of controversy and litigation, he proceeded to brand himself an “Obidient” in a move that has left many genuine members of the Obidient Movement like myself annoyed and angry till date.
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Similarly , he borrowed the name “Osaigbovo” which he had never been known by to replace “Anthony” just to pander to ethnic sentiment and woo potential voters to his side on account of ethnicity.
Till today, his documents and credentials as submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) show clearly that his given names remain “Olumide Anthony Akpata” but he has been parading himself as “Osaigbovo” during campaigns and on billboards to evoke tribal and ethnic sentiments.
What Olumide Akpata will borrow next as the campaigns intensify is yet to be seen. Perhaps, he will borrow a wife as he has not been seen with any woman as his wife so far.
There must be limits to falsehood, a fake lifestyle and “borrow pose” antics as demonstrated so far by Mr Akpata. A person seeking public office must demonstrate integrity, consistency and come out clean at all times.
Edo people are too sophisticated for you to deceive and “borrow pose” your way to Government House.
