In a recent Senate debate, Senate President Godswill Akpabio remarked that Godwin Obaseki, the outgoing Governor of Edo State, has betrayed his predecessor, Adams Oshiomhole, who played a pivotal role in his rise to governorship. Akpabio stated, “The man you brought in as governor has turned against you and against democracy.”
Oshiomhole responded by clarifying that while he supported Obaseki’s election in 2016, he did not directly install him, noting that this is akin to Akpabio’s support for Governor Udom.
Oshiomhole had championed Obaseki’s candidacy, defying the All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership’s preferences for alternatives such as his then-deputy Pius Odubu. Obaseki triumphed over Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, the Peoples Democratic Party candidate.
However, two years into Obaseki’s administration, tensions escalated when party leaders voiced discontent over his administration’s exclusion of them. Efforts by Oshiomhole to resolve the rift proved futile as Obaseki expressed his unwillingness to be influenced by any political ‘godfather,’ marking the onset of a cold war between the former allies.
Prior to the 2024 governorship election, Obaseki sought to reconcile with Oshiomhole, hoping to support his candidate, Asue Ighodalo, who ultimately lost the election.
