By Erasmus Ikhide
Former Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole, who served from 2007-2016, has a notable history of publicly criticizing Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, the esteemed Esama of Benin Kingdom. However, during the Esama’s 90th birthday celebration, Oshiomhole made a surprising gesture by seeking forgiveness and requesting the elder statesman’s pardon, likening himself to a son.
During the specified timeframe, Oshiomhole, who dominated discussions with his microphone usage, consistently demonstrated an adversarial demeanor, publicly disparaging the Esama without justification. In one instance, Oshiomhole’s verbal attacks escalated to revoking 11 legally acquired Certificates of Occupancy held by the Esama, predating Oshiomhole’s governorship.
“There are two forces in Edo State. The forces of darkness that underdeveloped the state stole all the money, and visited our people with misery and excuses; while they were getting rich, the people were getting poorer.”.
“Those forces that would award a road contract and they would not do it. Those forces who could not build one good school; those are the forces of darkness, the forces of light; you can see it right here.”.
“Let me sound a warning. I understand that some people are still carrying rumour that the land that has not been revoked that they still own it. There is only one government in Edo State and there is only one governor,” jabbed the Esama.
All through Oshiomhole’s 8 years as governorship, he literally denigrated and brought the office into disrepute by raising bogus and unfounded allegations against reputation citizens of Nigeria like Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, General Godwin Abbey, late Chief Tony Anenih, Senator Roland Owie and the rest. Oshiomhole didn’t spare those who occupied the same office before, including Chief Odigie Oyegun, Chief Lucky Nosakhare Igbinedion, and Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor.
Little wonder that the former Governor John Odigie Oyegun described Oshiomhole as a man who talked before he reasoned. The question is, how many people can Oshiomhole apologize to in the course of this election? Can Oshiomhole also apologize to the late Chief Tony Anenih in his grave and his family members, whom he defamed relentlessly before the election?
Now, the chickens have come home to roast. Political observers see Oshiomhole’s move as a calculated attempt to curry favour with the influential Esama, potentially benefiting his candidate, Monday Okpebholo, in the upcoming election. Okpebholo has struggled to articulate his development agenda, hindered by his limited education. Recently, he promised to provide “insecurity” for the state if elected, highlighting his unsuitability for the office of the governor.
Oshiomhole’s visible coaching of Okpebholo at campaign rallies further underscores the latter’s inadequacies. Edo State deserves a more capable candidate like Dr. Asue Ighodalo. Oshiomhole’s attempt to dictate the electorate’s choice won’t succeed.”
Erasmus Ikhide contributed this piece via ikhideluckyerasmus@gmail.com
