By Bolaji Israel
The phrase “Humpty Dumpty” brings to mind fond memories from early school years, referencing a beloved nursery rhyme about a tragi-comic character who fell and shattered beyond repair.
The tale dates back to the late 18th century, featuring an egg-shaped figure who fell off a wall, broke apart, and could never be pieced back together. In contemporary terms, it symbolises a person or entity that, once overthrown, cannot be restored.
The political landscape of Edo State has recently been rocked by the dramatic downfall of outgoing Governor Godwin Obaseki, a situation that has unfolded like a meticulously crafted drama. The decisive triumph of Monday Okpebholo over PDP’s Asue Ighodalo marks not the beginning, but the climax of the unfolding drama.
This saga, marked by betrayal, ambition, and fierce rivalry, saw Obaseki face off against his former political godfather, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, who has emerged victorious in this bitter contest.
Once celebrated as a protégé, Obaseki’s trajectory was propelled by Oshiomhole, who played a pivotal role in his ascent to the governorship.
However, the relationship soured, leading to a public fallout that captivated the attention of political observers. What began as a partnership soon devolved into a fierce rivalry, with accusations of overreach and betrayal flying between the two men.
So intense was the battle that Governor Obaseki had to seek shelter far away from his party, APC, which gave him the platform for his first term in office, to a rival political party, the PDP, to realise his second term ambition.
Though the move afforded the embattled governor who was then in the intensive care unit politically the golden opportunity to complete his eight years administration but the battle never stopped between the gladiators.
Obaseki himself has said one key issue his administration had with the former governor of the state, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, was that he (Obaseki) organised a state burial for the Peoples Democratic Party leader, Chief Tony Anenih due to Anenih’s overwhelming contributions to the state.
He explained: “When Chief Tony Anenih died, I gave him a state burial as an APC member and this is one of the thing that caused problem between Oshiomhole and I. He (Oshiomhole) said since he (Anenih) was not an elected official, why would I give him a state burial? I said the man had done more than many governors. So, he deserved it.”
Those sympathetic to Obaseki also insisted that Oshiomhole was one political figure who had consistently condemned political godfatherism and whittled down the political influence of leaders before him including Lucky Igbinedion who had ruled the state between 1999 and 2007. For them, Oshiomhole was wrong to have exerted much influence and pressure on Obaseki as his godfather.
Those who disagreed however didn’t make things easy for Obaseki. They labelled him a betrayal. They hold the view that during the re-election saga, Obaseki cornered and used his then fellow governors even from APC, including Kayode Fayemi etal and also Wike to achieve his aims but later insulted him.
They insist that Obaseki has proven to be a serial betrayal and an ungrateful person who doesn’t respect even the highly reverred Oba of Benin.
As the battle rages, news filtered that Obaseki also initiated several projects but abandoned them midway. The episode of the 18 lawmakers that he refused the state legislators to swear in has also remained a reference.
So, going into the recent gubernatorial elections, the stakes were high. Oshiomhole threw his weight behind Senator Monday Okpebholo, the candidate for the All Progressives Congress (APC), while Obaseki aligned himself with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo. The election became not just a contest of candidates, but a battle of wills between the two former allies, and ultimately, a test of their political mettle.
As the dust settled, the results were a resounding affirmation of Oshiomhole’s enduring influence in Edo State politics. Okpebholo emerged victorious, securing 291,667 votes against Ighodalo’s 247,274, while Obaseki’s failure was underscored by the fact that he lost in his own local government area, Oredo.
The defeat has been described as nothing short of humiliating for a sitting governor, raising questions about his political acumen and strategic prowess.
Oshiomhole takes no prisoners. So his verdict after the PDP’s loss was swift and brutal – Obaseki is politically dead!
He went further. “They now understand if a man can speak like the King of England, but can’t build classrooms and their children are sitting on the floor, where is the value of the English?
“If you have signed millions of MoUs, brought all manner of consultants, even though you are one of the consultants anyways. The hospital that was built by Governor Oshiomhole you converted it to a private hospital. You ran it by consultants and only the rich can go there. The poor have been forbidden from going there. You demolished the other side of the hospital and replaced it with a museum. You think the poor are stupid?” Oshiomhole queried.
The fallout from this political debacle has not only affected Obaseki but has also ensnared other key players, notably his deputy, Philip Shaibu. Once a loyal ally,
Shaibu found himself sidelined during Obaseki’s administration, with his office relocated and his aides dismissed. The dynamics of their relationship shifted dramatically, leading to speculation about Shaibu’s future in Edo politics.
In a twist of fate, Shaibu has emerged from the shadows, mocking Obaseki’s electoral defeat. His comments during a recent interview highlighted his belief in his own political strength, contrasting it with Obaseki’s lack of electoral success.
Shaibu stated, “I feel vindicated; even the governor couldn’t win his local government. I won my unit, ward, and local government.” His assertion that he had been instrumental in Obaseki’s previous victories adds another layer to this complex political narrative.
The election results have opened the door for a reevaluation of loyalties and alliances in Edo State. Oshiomhole’s triumphant return to power has not only reinstated him as a significant political force but has also left Obaseki grappling with the reality of his diminished influence.
The political tide has turned, and the former governor is now faced with the task of rebuilding his reputation and reconciling with a constituency that has seemingly rejected him.
As the political landscape shifts, one thing is clear: the battle between godfather and protégé serves as a cautionary tale about loyalty, ambition, and the volatile nature of political alliances.
With Oshiomhole basking in his victory and Shaibu relishing his vindication, Obaseki must now navigate the choppy waters of post-governorship life, where the echoes of his political fall continue to resonate throughout Edo State.
Bolaji is a writer, public affairs analyst, poet and public relations strategist.
