“Before you go on a journey of revenge, dig two graves” – Confucius

Fellow Nigerians, please, let me start this epistle with a tale I’m not sure I have ever told. On Sunday, November 9, 2008, I was at the Lagos Marina with some friends when my phone rang. And who was on the line? No other than the one and only Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, a man I call Uncle Adams for various reasons. He is about eight years older than me. We both come from the same Afenmai tribe of Edo State, though I’m much more affiliated and associated with the Yoruba people because of my birth in Ile-Ife, the cradle of civilisation, and the fact that my Mum is from Gbongan, a dozy town just a few kilometres from Ile-Ife. I have told the story of my Dad’s migration from Ihievbe, now in Owan East Local GovGovernment of Edo State, to finally settle in Ile-Ife, Osun State, possibly around 1944, like many restless men of his time. His decision to make his sojourn in Ile-Ife permanent, probably en route the greener pastures of alluring Lagos, was because he met the naturally beautiful, slim and elegant Gladys who swept him off his feet and they married after a period of courtship. I am the only child of their union.


Comrade Adams had risen to become one of the more prominent sons of Afenmailand and I had tremendous respect for him as a scion of the society and a big Brother. I had followed his amazing trajectory, especially as a Labour leader, with very keen interest. I believe he had a meteoric rise to become Labour leader based on his fantastic managerial, organisational and persuasive skills. I always admire, and appreciate, those with humble beginnings, who struggle hard and manage to break free from the shackles of oppression and manacles of poverty. Comrade is a veritable example of such a person. He has done so with agilagility and tenacity. I must add that he also possesses not only nerves of steel but a steely and unbending resolve which for me has lately been harmful and injurious to him. More on this later.


I think we first met physically on a flight to South Africa about 16 years ago, when he had already become head of the Nigerian Labour Congress. We both recognised each other and exchanged pleasantries and contacts. We struck an instant acquaintance and friendship which has since blossomed into Brotherliness. He became an avuncular figure to me, and he had my blessings when he threw his hat in the ring of politics.

His pedigree as President of the Nigeria Labour Congress clearly, and readily, endeared him to many people. Theoretically, he was expected to be a friend of the masses, and the workers of Edo State were considered lucky to have such a man coming to liberate them from capitalists and oppressors.


Anyway, back to the call, prior to which, both of us had met in Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s home where we had lunch with the former Governor of Lagos State. I knew Chief Tinubu was supporting him heavily and staked a lot on Comrade Oshiomole becoming the Governor of Edo State which has always been considered one of the crown jewels of the Yoruba nation and was indeed a part of Western Nigeria before it became Mid-Western Region of Nigeria in 1963 following a vote by the people of the region. Mid-Western Region became Mid-West State in 1967, Bendel State in 1976 and finally Edo State in 1991 when Bendel State was divided into Edo and Delta States.


During this auspicious call in November 2008, Comrade sounded worried and I asked what the matter was. He said he was anxious about the Court of Appeal judgment regarding his governorship election, which was slated for November 11, 2008, in two days time. I told him not to panic, that all shall be well, and I prayed for him.

Tuesday, November 11, 2008, came, in a jiffy, and Comrade was declared winner of the Edo State Gubernatorial elections. Prayer answered and I was greatly elated. He was sworn in as Governor immediately afterwards on 12 November 2008 and would later govern the State for two terms of eight years in total. As usual with me, I never visited the Edo State Government House during that period, although Comrade and I remained close and regularly called each other and met at various functions. I watched his inimitable style of governance from afar and prayed fervently for his success. He would call me sometimes, usually on Saturdays, after reading my column.

On one such occasions, I recall, I was in Orlando, Florida, and he said he would want me to come to commission some projects in Edo State as a true son of the State.

I said no problem. He promised to send me the dates, but he probably forgot or was too busy, whatever the reason, the call never came, the trip to Edo State as guest of the Governor never happened and the planned commissioning of projects by me never occurred. On another occasion, we met at The World Afenmai Congress in America and had a good tie together catching up on various issues. The truth is that we always bonded well.

I must confess that there were times I was troubled by the many controversies that trailed him during his governance of Edo State. Those who knew him as my big Brother would call me to complain about his garrulousness and dictatorial proclivity. He also did not seem to be grateful on occasions. For example, I recall that he constantly attacked and insulted the Igbinedions who I knew had supported him and I felt that this was not proper or right. Some of his media attacks went overboard. However, I premised some of his intractable opposition to major Edo chieftains to his promise to dismantle all the vestiges of godfatherism in Edo State and end the rent seeking system that it engenders. I felt that if he could achieve this, he would have done the State and the country a great favour by creating a super example for others to emulate.

Please, fast forward again. Close to the end of Comrade’s final tenure as Governor, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, his good friend, invited some of us to the launch of his $1 Billion investment in Okpella, Edo State. It was at that launch that I noticed the ubiquitous presence of Mr Godwin Obaseki who was extremely busy running around to make the ceremony a huge success. Obaseki informed me of his gubernatorial ambition for the first time that day. He and Comrade were like Siamese twins and their camaraderie was palpable. It was apparent that he had the support of the Comrade and he intimated me as much.

I was therefore not surprised when Obaseki announced his aspiration and the rest, as the cliché goes, is history. Obaseki became Governor with the unalloyed support of Comrade who placed all the appurtenances of Government at his disposal to ensure his famous victory. Comrade and Obaseki were inseparable and were seen regularly together at public functions from the inception of the new Government. One was the Governor Emeritus while the other was the tyro Baby Governor. I witnessed their cordiality, first-hand, at a Tinubu Colloquium about two years ago at the Eko Convention Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos. It was there Comrade “instructed” Obaseki to hold me tight. “Dele is one of our icons stolen by the Yoruba people.


Please, you must bring him back home. I failed in achieving that in eight years, but you must not fail.” Obaseki gave me his direct line instantly. We chatted a few times and that was it really. The plan was to invite me to a reception and celebrate me amongst my father’s people. Perhaps, he got distracted, but I understand perfectly given where we are today. Interestingly, this was what then Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola did, as Governor of Osun State, when he invited me to Osogbo and gave me a special recognition award as a distinguished son of Osun State.

Given the genesis of their relationship, Obaseki had been brought by Comrade into the politics, from the relative obscurity of investment banking, to head the Edo State Economic and Strategy Team. The way they had carried on for seven years whilst Comrade was Governor, and for a while after Obaseki became Governor, I never thought for a moment that Comrade and Obaseki would ever quarrel like other godfathers and their godchildren have been wont to do in this peculiar Nigerian clime. However, the ways of Nigerian politicians can never be understood by mere mortals like us, and things unravelled very quickly indeed once both men decided to part ways. Amidst allegations of betrayal, subterfuge and unbecoming insults, I am not in a position to determine who betrayed the other. For me it doesn’t really matter. The important thing is that this should never have happened to two seemingly good people who were practically in a tight relationship with each other. I have had the opportunity of speaking at different times to both of them, especially Comrade who I met at breakfast in Eko Hotel Signature in Lagos last yea. Comrade never said anything concrete enough to warrant the war of attrition that is now likely to consume at least one, or indeed both of them, if care is not taken. My own plea that day was for Comrade to forgive whatever iniquity or sin Obaseki might have committed. I’m one Christian who holds the Biblical injunction on forgiveness very close to my heart. There is nothing too big to forgive even if I can’t forget, and I do desperately try to forget as well. I have learnt that life is too short and there are always regrets all round afterwards.

In short, I continue to believe that Comrade should have treated Obaseki like a recalcitrant baby and leave him to his conscience because he is the older man and the benefactor. By playing dirty and wrestling in the mud with Obaseki, Comrade has diminished his status and importance in the eyes of onlookers nationally and internationally. In fact, Comrade has provided some lethal ammunition for his many vociferous critics and rabid enemies who have now, apparently, finally, gunned him down. How fatally he has been dealt with remains to be seen. I do hope that he heals quickly and bounces back


His firebrand style of politics is still something that I look forward to. Exactly two Sundays ago, I predicted what has happened to some mutual friends, Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi and Hon. Oye Ojo when we discussed the raging imbroglio. As I also said to them that evening, what shall it profit a man who kills his own child in a pique and fit of anger? Especially when in the process the man himself appears to have sung his own nunc dimitis! I believe that if Oshiomole had left Obaseki alone, he would not have been suspended by his ward and there would therefore have been no basis for his removal as Chairman. Instead he went further to disqualify Obaseki as APC Governorship aspirant APC Party Chairman. Comrade would have done well to listen to Confucius who wrote, “Before you go on a journey of revenge, dig two graves”!

It seems now virtually late to make amends. Comrade and Obaseki have stripped themselves naked in the marketplace. Their underbelly and nudity have been harshly exposed. It is such a monumental tragedy. The battle is no longer a localized affair but a national struggle for the control of the ruling party ahead of the 2023 Presidential election.

Beyond Obaseki, I feel that Comrade was fighting, like a poor General, on too many fronts. He should have read the handwriting correctly to see that Obaseki was now a pawn in the game but he didn’t. This is unlike a man with his maturity in politics. I thought he was a master tactician and strategist but his performance as Chairman of APC totally belied this. The APC he presided over had become nothing but a “Fuji House of Commotion”, a place where, apologies to Chinua Achebe, the falcon could no longer hear the falconer. And so, things fell apart, and the centre could no longer hold.

For Comrade, that is not a sign of political craftsmanship but brinkmanship. It is called political harakiri!

Dele

He dug one grave

oshomole forgive obaseki but obaseki don't want to be forgiven by refusing to inaugurate the 14 duy elected members of house of assembly.

obaseki is gone for good, and he can never come back as governor.

oshomole be remove as chairman is nothing,
he has accomplished his mission by ensuring he control Edo APC. his structure is still intact like tinubu in Lagos.

This 'Any Government in Power' (AGIP)
worshiper don come with him stupid Epistles again...
Let the tables mistakely turn now, he will come with another epistle celebrating Oshiomole.

Dele

You used half the writing to describe yourself

And only ended it when Osun State recognized you as a son

something Baba Osho and Obaseki forgot to do

Are you still marketing yourself or what?


Well, if you can remember that Baba Osho fought to end godfatherism in Edo, why did you not hit the nail with the hammer that he wanted to become another godfather

The undoing of Baba Osho have nothing to do with Obaseki but his greed to still be in control after 8 solid years.

He wanted to erect what he dismantled..

Obaseki did nothing, i say, NOTHING wrong

Sometimes the quest for power destroys reasoning...


The problem here is not Oshomole and Obaseki, its the elders who refused to call him (Oshomole) to order.

The sign was there when he was initially suspended yet given a second chance, he went straight for the kill.


Obaseki humbled himself went to Buhari who said it should be settled amicable, he even went to Tinubu but the old fox wants him gone just like he did with Ambode, to him he obaseki is no longer loyal...


Tinubu plotted the removal of Oyegun and had a pact with Oshimole, when Ambode was in trouble, the Oshimole buried him so now obaseki was in trouble, Tinubu wants to Bury him...



As God will have it, the 2 have committed political suicide..

sapientia:
Dele

You used half the writing to describe yourself

And only ended it when Osun State recognized you as a son

something Baba Osho and Obaseki forgot to do

Are you still marketing yourself or what?


Well, if you can remember that Baba Osho fought to end godfatherism in Edo, why did you not hit the nail with the hammer that he wanted to become another godfather

The undoing of Baba Osho have nothing to do with Obaseki but his greed to still be in control after 8 solid years.

He wanted to erect what he dismantled..

Obaseki did nothing, i say, NOTHING wrong

oshomole was not playing godfather,
he only told obaseki to inaugurate the house properly, for saying that alone, obaseki sponsored his thugs to suspend oshomole from the party, is that not evil to someone that brought you from nowhere, polished you and you became a governor,
so what evil has oshomole did to ungrateful obaseki.?

Thank you, PDP sympathizer

Nels55:
Sometimes the quest for power destroys reasoning...


The problem here is not Oshomole and Obaseki, its the elders who refused to call him (Oshomole) to order.

The sign was there when he was initially suspended yet given a second chance, he went straight for the kill.


Obaseki humbled himself went to Buhari who said it should be settled amicable, he even went to Tinubu but the old fox wants him gone just like he did with Ambode, to him he obaseki is no longer loyal...


Tinubu plotted the removal of Oyegun and had a pact with Oshimole, when Ambode was in trouble, the Oshimole buried him so now obaseki was in trouble, Tinubu wants to Bury him...



As God will have it, the 2 have committed political suicide..

which political suicide?
.it is obaseki that is not returning to politics like ambode.

you said obaseki humble himself by refusing to inaugurate the duly elected house members.

going to PDP is a political suicide

Jesusloveyou:
oshomole was not playing godfather,
he only told obaseki to inaugurate the house properly, for saying that alone, obaseki sponsored his thugs to suspend oshomole from the party, is that not evil to someone that brought you from nowhere, polished you and you became a governor,
so what evil has oshomole did to ungrateful obaseki.?

What is his business with how State house is inaugurated?

Imagine what you are saying, lets replay it

{Obaseki did not inaugurate the State house properly}

{Baba Osho calls him and say "Obaseki my man, Inaugurate the house properly}

{Obaseki sponsored Thugs to suspend Baba Osho}

If this makes sense to you, then i give up

OK. Bob Dee, we have heard you. The piece was all about you, your friendship with comrade and his boy and how Osun recognised while Edo didn't.

Bob Dee is mad!

OKorowanta:
This 'Any Government in Power' (AGIP)
worshiper don come with him stupid Epistles again...
Let the tables mistakely turn now, he will come with another epistle celebrating Oshiomole.

the guy is an ass licker. No iota of integrity. Let oshiomole get over this trying times, you will see another epistle celebrating him with another narrative.

sapientia:


What is his business with how State house is inaugurated?

Imagine what you are saying, lets replay it

{Obaseki did not inaugurate the State house properly}

{Baba Osho calls him and say "Obaseki my man, Inaugurate the house properly}

{Obaseki sponsored Thugs to suspend Baba Osho}

If this makes sense to you, then i give up

because oshomole is from Edo state and a national chairman of the party that produced both the governor and the house members,
so he has right to tell obaseki to do the right thing,
oshomole did same in bauchi when he told PDP governor to inaugurate the APC house members.

oshomole is not the only person that advice obaseki to do the right thing,
both national assembly, buhari and bisi Akande.
obaseki was proving stubborn, where is he today? he has lost his political career by joining PDP.

Mr Dele, double face man

Mr Dele, please get this through your head. Edo is not part of the Yoruba nation.

Oshiomole fought dirty but he actually was ready for peace. Obaseki wasnt ready. He had his backers. That's why the Oba of Edo called for a peace meeting which Obaseki didn't honor. He actually knew that once Oshiomole is suspended in the state party level, the basis to remove him in the federal seat as the party chair would be justified.

Oshiomole of all people should have known this tho.

I can see any advice I this write-up.

Mr Dele Momodu only talked about himself and what is wrong about Oshiomole. He didn't state what he thinks he should do next.

ThatFairGuy:
Thank you, PDP sympathizer

The way dele attacks his former friends ehn...he must love saraki so deeply.

Jesusloveyou:
oshomole forgive obaseki but obaseki don't want to be forgiven by refusing to inaugurate the 14 duy elected members of house of assembly.

obaseki is gone for good, and he can never come back as governor.

oshomole be remove as chairman is nothing,
he has accomplished his mission by ensuring he control Edo APC. his structure is still intact like tinubu in Lagos.

Nan you get your mouth,if you like use am chop shit.

[quote author=ThatFairGuy post=91130664][/quote] CM!!

Jesusloveyou:
because oshomole is from Edo state and a national chairman of the party that produced both the governor and the house members,
so he has right to tell obaseki to do the right thing,
oshomole did same in bauchi when he told PDP governor to inaugurate the APC house members.

oshomole is not the only person that advice obaseki to do the right thing,
both national assembly, buhari and bisi Akande.
obaseki was proving stubborn, where is he today? he has lost his political career by joining PDP.

.....Bros...don't be sentimental..... inauguration of the HOA is the issue but controlling of the house is the major issue....do u think Obaseki is a fool...he will now allow Oshomole to be controlling the HOA and begin to threaten his admin?..... Obaseki learnt from Ambode's mistake which cannot control both the HOA and the party structure.....I reason with DELE.....

twodee75:
.....Bros...don't be sentimental..... inauguration of the HOA is the issue but controlling of the house is the major issue....do u think Obaseki is a fool...he will now allow Oshomole to be controlling the HOA and begin to threaten his admin?..... Obaseki learnt from Ambode's mistake which cannot control both the HOA and the party structure.....I reason with DELE.....

but that is politics,
will you do injustice because of the fear of oshomole.

were them not duly elected.?

what if buhari stop national assembly because of the fear that saraki will impeach him.

so other state house of assembly not loyal to their governor, should not resumed office because they're against their governor.
the way you ipob always support evil is the reason this country can not move forward.

Jesusloveyou:
oshomole forgive obaseki but obaseki don't want to be forgiven by refusing to inaugurate the 14 duy elected members of house of assembly.

obaseki is gone for good, and he can never come back as governor.

oshomole be remove as chairman is nothing,
he has accomplished his mission by ensuring he control Edo APC. his structure is still intact like tinubu in Lagos.

It is not...he doesn't have a place. That pastor has to do some asslicking to get the support of FG and other governors. Otherwise, he will be like an orphan on the election day. Lagos is not like Who...get that into your skull. Oshiomhole has goofed big time.

sapientia:


What is his business with how State house is inaugurated?

Imagine what you are saying, lets replay it

{Obaseki did not inaugurate the State house properly}

{Baba Osho calls him and say "Obaseki my man, Inaugurate the house properly}

{Obaseki sponsored Thugs to suspend Baba Osho}

If this makes sense to you, then i give up

Lolz. So very well put! I’m really astonished at the way some people reason.

Scream:


It is not...he doesn't have a place. That pastor has to do some asslicking to get the support of FG and other governors. Otherwise, he will be like an orphan on the election day. Lagos is not like Who...get that into your skull. Oshiomhole has goofed big time.

and you think buhari or el-rufai camp will like to lose Edo state?
they don't have option.

beside, oshomole structure and ize iyamu structure are too big for obaseki to defeat.

if not for oshomole ruggedness, ize iyamu already defeated obaseki in last election.

as I always say, obaseki should just be parking his belongings from osadebey avenue.

[quote author=Jesusloveyou post=91131923]but that is politics,
will you do injustice because of the fear of oshomole.

were them not duly elected.?

what if buhari stop national assembly because of the fear that saraki will impeach him.

so other state house of assembly not loyal to their governor, should not resumed office because they're against their governor.
the way you ipob always support evil is the reason this country can not move forward.[/quote..... Bros....check my name...I'm.not ipob...i be confirmed yoruba...don't allow sentiment to overruled you....but I will say the truth...You just said something now that all what inspired btw Oshomole and Obaseki is a politics.... everybody need to protect his own ends and Obaseki think the best way is too take control of the HOA ...let be realistic.... Oshomole made some mistakes...

Scream:


It is not...he doesn't have a place. That pastor has to do some asslicking to get the support of FG and other governors. Otherwise, he will be like an orphan on the election day. Lagos is not like Who...get that into your skull. Oshiomhole has goofed big time.

Bros do u think Pastor can get that support from the cabals... remember the before Obaseki moved to PDP he went to Aso rock to meet the cabals....after the meeting, court of appeal sat and gave their judgement against Oshomole and immdiately Giadon saga resurrated.... cabals don't mind using Edo as a sacrifice lamb for the 2023!

[quote author=twodee75 post=91133158][/quote] you are not getting the point,

everybody play politics, but it must be according to law and constitution.

that is why I gave you example that if buhari refused to inaugurate saraki faction of the senate,

you will say buhari is a dictator,

can't you see obaseki is the dictator

you can't play politics with injustice and against the constitution.

the reason I said is politics, is that oshomole play from thing according to law and constitution,
his loyalist campaign and win election according to the constitution.
obaseki was also his loyalist, he campaign and win election according to the constitution.

so obaseki don't have power to disobeyed the constitution..

buhari waited for 4 years to replace saraki and his loyalist.

so obaseki should also go like saraki and ambode,
he shouldn't disobey the law because he want to play politics.