Godwin Obaseki Burned Bridges As Edo Governor – Oshiomhole
In a scathing interview with ARISE NEWS on Sunday, former Edo State governor and current senator, Adams Oshiomhole, did not hold back his disapproval of Governor Godwin Obaseki’s performance in office. According to Oshiomhole, Obaseki’s eight-year tenure was characterized by mismanagement and failure to deliver on promises to the people of Edo State. He also hinted that Obaseki’s political isolation, resulting from broken alliances, had tarnished his legacy.
Oshiomhole stated bluntly, “Obaseki misgoverned the state, defrauded the people, jailed innocent women, and acted with arrogance as if the power was his alone. He forgot that sovereignty belongs to the people.”
The former governor pointed out that Obaseki, in his efforts to assert dominance, ended up clashing with nearly everyone, including traditional institutions. This, he said, contributed to the governor’s downfall and eventual rejection by the electorate, making it impossible for the governor to secure support for his chosen successor.
Isolated and Defeated
Oshiomhole argued that Obaseki’s political struggles stemmed largely from his actions. “He fought everybody—whether you looked for his trouble or not. For Obaseki, crushing people was a way of life,” Oshiomhole claimed. The senator also pointed out that this tendency to burn bridges left Obaseki without the backing of influential figures, both within and outside his party.
A notable incident that Oshiomhole highlighted was Obaseki’s falling out with Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State. The once close allies had parted ways ahead of the 2024 gubernatorial elections. This loss of political allies, according to Oshiomhole, was a key reason for Obaseki’s inability to deliver victory for his party’s candidate in the recent elections.
A Legacy of Unfulfilled Promises
Oshiomhole expressed disappointment in Obaseki’s governance, noting that he had failed to fulfill the promises he made when he first assumed office. “The people believed in him, but he used power to threaten and failed to deliver what he promised. This made his candidate unelectable,” Oshiomhole added.
Reflecting on Obaseki’s inability to rally support for his preferred successor, Asue Ighodalo, Oshiomhole concluded that the governor’s failures had left the electorate disillusioned and unwilling to back his endorsement.
Conclusion
The interview not only underscored the deep-rooted political divisions in Edo State but also served as a strong condemnation of Obaseki’s time in office. Oshiomhole’s words reflect the growing sentiment among Edo political elites that Obaseki’s tenure will be remembered more for its controversies than its achievements.
