Oshiomhole and Obaseki Saga
The political enmity between Edo State’s former governor, Adams Oshiomhole, and his protégé-turned-adversary, Governor Godwin Obaseki, was brought to the fore during a recent debate in the Senate.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio referenced the strained relationship between the two politicians, remarking that the man Oshiomhole “brought in as governor” had turned against him and against democracy.
Oshiomhole, who had played a crucial role in the election of Obaseki as governor in 2016, responded by pointing out that he had merely supported Obaseki’s candidacy, stating, “Just for the record, I didn’t bring him in; he was elected, but I supported him.”
The remarks served as a reminder of the complex and often tumultuous relationship between the two politicians, with Obaseki’s unwillingness to acquiesce to the demands of party leaders and Oshiomhole’s alleged domineering tendencies leading to a bitter fallout.
The power struggle between Obaseki and Oshiomhole began to heat up two years into Obaseki’s tenure, with the governor’s decision to exclude APC leaders from his administration causing tensions to rise.
As the conflict escalated, Obaseki became increasingly defiant, declaring his unwillingness to allow any “godfather” to dictate to him or blackmail him. This declaration marked the beginning of a long and bitter cold war between the two politicians.
Despite efforts to reconcile the two leaders, the animosity between Obaseki and Oshiomhole persisted, reaching its apex during the 2024 gubernatorial election.
With the support of Oshiomhole’s political rivals, Obaseki had hoped to secure a second term as governor with his candidate, Asue Ighodalo. However, the plan backfired when Ighodalo lost the election, leaving Obaseki with few allies and his relationship with Oshiomhole in tatters.
The fallout from the election highlighted the often volatile nature of Nigerian politics, with allegiances shifting rapidly and even the closest of political alliances proving tenuous.
The bitter struggle between Oshiomhole and Obaseki serves as a cautionary tale for those who seek to wield power in the country’s tumultuous political landscape, where loyalty and allegiance are never guaranteed.
As the curtain closes on Obaseki’s tenure as governor and the new political order takes shape, the aftermath of their bitter rivalry continues to reverberate throughout Edo State and beyond.
The political drama surrounding Oshiomhole and Obaseki has left an indelible mark on the political landscape of Edo State and the larger Nigerian political scene.
The repercussions of their feud could be felt for years to come, as the balance of power shifts and new alliances are forged.
In a country where the struggle for power and influence is a constant undercurrent, the story of Oshiomhole and Obaseki serves as a reminder of the dangers of ambition and the fragility of even the strongest political bonds.
The tale of Oshiomhole and Obaseki is not just a story of two politicians who fell out, but a reflection of the tumultuous nature of politics in a country where power is often coveted and wielded with ruthless efficiency.
Their story is also one of hubris and betrayal, of promises made and broken, and of a complex and ever-shifting political landscape that can turn allies into enemies in the blink of an eye.
As Edo State moves forward from the turbulent era of Oshiomhole and Obaseki, its citizens will be left to grapple with the aftermath of their tumultuous relationship, with lingering questions about the future of democracy and accountability in the state.
The lessons from this political saga are many and varied, but perhaps the most poignant one is that no one politician or alliance is immune to the vagaries of power.
As the dust settles on the Oshiomhole and Obaseki saga, the ripples of their tumultuous relationship continue to be felt.
The consequences of their actions will shape the political landscape of Edo State for years to come, with new alliances being forged, new power structures emerging, and new opportunities for growth and renewal.
The story of Oshiomhole and Obaseki is a reminder that, in the game of politics, the only constant is change, and those who fail to adapt to this reality may find themselves on the wrong side of history.
References and Citations:
- Daily post – Edo: Obaseki turned against you – Akpabio mocks Oshiomhole
- SaharaReporters – Obaseki that you brought in as Edo Governor has turned against you – Senate president Akpabio taunts Oshimhole
- PoliticNigeria – It must have been a tough fight – Oshiomhole teases
