The Treacherous Godfather of Edo State Politics
BY
In my part of the world, there is an adage: *“A madman may be a fascinating spectacle to observe, but never when he’s your kin.”* For years, Adams Oshiomhole has stained Nigeria’s political space with erratic conduct, manipulative tendencies, and a blatant disregard for principles, leaving a trail of embarrassment for the Edo Nation and its people.
From his humble beginnings as a tailor, Oshiomhole maneuvered his way to prominence, often through betrayal. Rising to the position of labor leader, he used cunning alliances and double-dealing to climb the ladder. Notorious for dining with General Abacha at night while portraying himself as a reformist messiah by day, Oshiomhole’s legacy is one of deception and calculated opportunism.
He was introduced to Edo State politics by the goodwill of individuals like the Igbinadions and Pastor Ezie Iyamu, eventually becoming governor. Despite his limited grasp of governance, Oshiomhole brought in Godwin Obaseki as his successor, only to turn against him when Obaseki refused to be his puppet. Before this fallout, he had systematically undermined his cabinet, attacking and dismantling his commissioners.
This pattern of betrayal culminated in a public denunciation by the revered Oba of Benin, who condemned Oshiomhole’s divisive tactics and questionable character. But Oshiomhole’s arrogance and overreach didn’t stop there.
In a bid to maintain control, he sought to impose a surrogate on Edo State. The people, however, had grown wiser, rejecting his candidate and instead supporting a humble leader from the Esan Senatorial District. This defeat prompted Oshiomhole to slander Senator Monday Okpebholo, hurling unprintable insults at both him and the Esan people. Yet, in an ironic twist, after losing at the primaries, Oshiomhole reversed course and embraced Senator Okpebholo, presenting him as his new project.
A Hypocritical Crusader for Godfatherism
Oshiomhole, who once famously decried godfatherism, has now become the ultimate godfather, wielding unchecked influence and pushing his agenda in Edo politics. His recent attempt to position Senator Okpebholo as his third-term proxy underscores his relentless hunger for power. Oshiomhole’s actions betray a hypocrisy that the Edo people must no longer tolerate.
A Legacy of Contradictions
On July 11, 2024, the Supreme Court affirmed the financial autonomy of Nigeria’s 774 local government councils, granting them the freedom to manage their funds without interference from state governors. Initially, Oshiomhole championed this landmark decision, citing his refusal to dissolve elected council officials during his tenure as Edo governor as a testament to his democratic values. Recently Adams Oshiomhole in his characteristics, in bid to curry favours from Governor Monday Okpebholo, Oshiomhole has come out with his usual deception, dishonesty and unreliability by making a u-turn to support the removal of the local government chairmen.
Proverbs 4:24 AMP warned us against people like Adams Oshiomhole. “put away from you a deceitful (lying, misleading) mouth, And put devious lips far from you.” Equally, the renaming of the Edo State University has sparked a debate amongst Edo people and Nigerians. The question begging for an answer now, who is the true owner of the Edo university? Is it state or Adams Oshiomhole?
Exploiting National Crises for Self-Promotion
Oshiomhole’s self-serving tendencies extend to the national stage. During Senate deliberations on Nigeria’s energy crisis, he exploited the situation to publicly attack figures like Tony Elumelu, seeking to position himself as a champion of accountability. Beneath this façade, however, was a calculated effort to secure patronage and cement his influence within the power sector.
A Danger to Nigeria’s Stability
Oshiomhole’s actions prioritize personal ambition over public good, undermining democratic principles and threatening constitutional harmony. His vision for a Nigeria molded in his own image—where power is wielded through manipulation and self-interest—is a threat that must be addressed.
Conclusion
Adams Oshiomhole’s political career is a cautionary tale of betrayal, hypocrisy, and insatiable ambition. If Edo State and Nigeria are to progress, the likes of Oshiomhole must be relegated to history.
The Esan political leaders must bury their heads in shame for allowing what they fought for, to be truncated by Adams Oshiomhole lust for power and godfatherism. The Esan Nation MUST come together, to defend their own against a serpent who has a disdain for the Esan people. The likes of General Cecil Esikhaigbe, Sen Monday Okpebholo, Victor Edoror, Lee Ikpea, David Imuse, Odi Okojie and many others, who are Oshiomhole friends must understand that Esan interest is greater than a friendship with a camelon*
Further, Edo political leaders must rise to defend the principles they fought for, rejecting the tyranny of godfatherism and ensuring that governance serves the people, not the personal interests of one man. The time has come for Nigerians to demand leaders who embody integrity, humility, and a genuine commitment to progress. Oshiomhole’s reign of treachery must end if a new Edo is to emerge.
Elvis Enosetale
Contributed this piece via:
Enosetale_@gmail.com
Meanwhile,
Appointments by Oshiomhole under Okpebholo’ govt
1. REC(INEC) EDO NORTH
2. NATIONAL POPULATION COMMISSION-EDO NORTH
3. Minister Regional development-Edo North
4. Chief of Staff to Edo State Goveenor-Edo North
5. Chairman Benin Owena River Basin Edo North
6. Executive Director Benin Owena Basin -Edo North
7. Executive Director finance Nigeria Hajj commission-Edo North
8. Edo State University- He single handely appointed the chairman and members of the Council
9. Executive Director South South Development Commission and member both from Edo North
10. Where are the Binis and Esan people. ?
11. Is this Oshiomhole’s third term?
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