Obaseki, Oshiomhole’s Men At War Over Attack On Convoy

AIDES of the leading candidates for the September 19 governorship election in Edo State, Governor Godwin Obaseki of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP; and Comrade Adams Oshiomhole engaged in war of words yesterday as security operatives foiled an attack on Obaseki’s convoy in Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State.

A statement by Obaseki’s Special Adviser on Media and Communication Strategy, Crusoe Osagie said the incident occurred in Ward 10, Apana, where Oshiomhole hails from and that the thugs who he said were allegedly hired thugs were reportedly dislodged by a combined team of security personnel and vigilante groups, who repelled their gunshots. He said the state Deputy Governor, Comrade Philip Shaibu, gave them a hot chase.
However, an aide to Oshiomhole, Victor Oshioke, who hails from Apana, debunked the allegations saying the said gunmen were sponsored by Shaibu and that the vehicle they used was in the convoy of the governor.
Osagie said the pandemonium caused by the gunshots and the hurling of stones stalled the governor’s convoy temporarily before the Ward-to-Ward campaign train berthed at Adams Oshiomhole’s corridor at Apana Market Square in Ward 10.
Addressing members of PDP and supporters at Apana Village Square, Obaseki recalled several alleged attempts to scuttle his re-election efforts through violent means.
He said: “As we were coming here (Village Square in Apana), you heard what happened. They went to hire thugs and began to shoot to prevent us from coming here. On September 19, 2020, use your Permanent Voter Card (PVC) to ‘pepper them’.
“Ward 10 is a special ward. This election is special. It will show who is in charge of politics in Edo State.

The trend continued yesterday.

At the palace of the Ogieneni of Uzairue, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Kadiri Imonikhe Omogbai IV, the monarch conferred the Onoshiorena of Uzairue (He that God has crowned) chieftaincy title on Obaseki.

Ogieneni also installed the Deputy Governor, Comrade Philip Shaibu, as the Oshiozekhai (It is God that Chooses) of Uzairue. Shaibu is from the Uzairue clan in Etsako West local government area.

Omogbai IV said: “Your deputy is from this place and he is my son, just as you have said earlier. Considering what you have done in the last four years, you have done very well. In terms of infrastructural development, I believe you have done well for the state.

“You have good men around you. I promise you that Uzairue people will give you 100 per cent vote. I will also like to make some appeals to you. I want your government to upgrade the Uzairue Market to a modern one.”

In a related development, the Otaru of Auchi who is also the Vice-Chairman of the Edo State Council of Traditional Rulers, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Aliru Momoh Ikelebe III, conferred a title ‘Itsemakhoma’ of Auchi (this is our own) on Ize-Iyamu, when the APC candidate paid a visit to his palace.

He hinged the conferment and honour on Ize-Iyamu’s love for the people, track record of performance in his previously held government positions, and deep respect for the traditional institution in the State.

The Otaru said the Auchi sacred kingdom was proud of Ize-Iyamu and his achievements.

Also The Otu of Igarra, High Chief Joseph Mayaki Akpeji, according to Prince John Mayaki, Chairman, Edo State APC Media Campaign Council, donated the sum of one million naira to Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, and his running mate, Mallam Gani Audu.

He made the donation on behalf of the Eziobe traditional council, Akoko Edo, on Thursday when the APC candidate visited his palace.