News correspondents have recently reported that Godwin Obaseki, governor of Edo, on Saturday met with Adams Oshiomhole, former chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), at an event in the state.
The political feud which ensued between the present governor of Edo State, Governor Godwin Obaseki, and his predecessor Comrades Adams Aliyu Oshiomole was not a hidden secret to the knowledge of all who had historically followed Nigerian politics closely, and that of Edo state in particular.
Before the gubernatorial elections of Edo state which was conducted last year precisely September 19. 2020, there was no love lost between the candidate who contested the gubernatorial seat, Pastor Ize Iyamu of the APC, and Godwin Obaseki of the PDP Camp who also happened to be the incumbent governor.
There existed palpable tension and uncertainties within the state as partisan politics between the two iconic figures whose names were basically on the lips of all Edolites took center stage. In all of these controversies, it is of paramount importance to mention that the origin of these political feuds was allegedly attributed to Adams Oshiomhole.
The feud began over power tussle and control of who was in charge of the state as well as on the bedrock of political differences in opinions and policies that eventually led to the defection of Obaseki from the APC to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), despite the efforts of some stakeholders to mediate between them.
According to the story, Oshiomole felt he was being disrespected by the acting governor Obaseki whom he felt acted scornfully towards him and concluded that Obaseki, betrayed him and was also disloyal to him for all the efforts he made in ensuring that Obaseki was elected governor of the state. The ex-governor, therefore, complained about the fact that his opinions no longer mattered and that Obaseki also made him look irrelevant in the scheme of things and affairs of the state.
The situation got out of control as their misunderstanding got to an ugly height which led to the Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA) being divided in its varying backing of both political juggernauts. The division of the EDHA did not bode well or present a good reading for the political ambition of the incumbent governor, who at that time had declared his intentions to run for re-election as governor of the state.
The election was however conducted by the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) and it was done in a peaceful and serene environment as the indigenes of Edo state voted for the candidate of their choice. Thus, Obaseki sought reelection under the PDP and thereafter defeated Osagie Ize-Iyamu, candidate of the APC who had the full and unwavering support of Adams Oshiomhole.
Despite the continuous war of words that ensued between the two politicians while the chasm lasted, Obaseki and Oshiomhole were municipal towards each other when they met in Auchi, during the birthday thanksgiving of Thomas Oleghe at Immaculate Conception Cathedral.
Speaking with news reporters after the occasions, Obaseki who was clearly in a relaxed and good mood disclosed that he had no personal issues with the ex-governor, but only thinks differently with regards to his political techniques.
“I don’t have anything personal against Oshiomhole. I may not like his politics, but he has not done anything personal against, me. We all are interacting with the interest of the development of our community at heart,” he said.
Funnily enough, Oshiomhole, who was also interviewed by reporters, characterized Obaseki as “his brother and friend.”
“Once the governor speaks, the matter ends,” he said.
Gift Joseph Okpakorese
Staff Writer
