Obaseki curses leaders who uses power to exploit the poor

Godwin Obaseki, former governor of Edo State, has warned that politicians who use power for personal gain rather than public service will face divine punishment.

In a video shared on his official X page, Obaseki said politics should be about improving lives, not acquiring power for selfish reasons.

According to him, leaders who enrich themselves and their close associates after attaining office betray both God and the people.

He described political power as a divine trust that must be used in service to humanity and to glorify God.

“If you are in politics to get power, and you get the power and it’s only for you and your friends and the people close to you, then God will punish you,” he said.

Obaseki added that failing to use power in line with God’s purpose is a serious moral failure.

“Because if God has given you power, and you cannot use that power directly for Him, glorify Him, then I don’t see how you will do it,” he stated.

Reflecting on his time in office, the former governor said he had no regrets and would not change his approach if given another chance.

“What would I do differently if I had another opportunity? Nothing. I will do it in the same way… even quicker and faster,” he said, noting that he wished some education reforms had started earlier to produce more visible results.

He also explained that his backing of a successor was intentional, aimed at ensuring continuity of policies and reforms.

Obaseki warned that dismantling programmes introduced by his administration would ultimately hurt ordinary citizens, not former leaders.

“You add to what you met, not destroy it,” he said, stressing that removing social services like health insurance and hospitals would only deepen the suffering of the people.