Former Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, has come under intense scrutiny following his response to a recent comment made by the state’s First Lady, Betsy Obaseki, during a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) campaign event.
The First Lady had highlighted the fact that only the PDP’s candidate, Asue Ighodalo, has a wife among the contenders for the upcoming governorship election, emphasizing the importance of having a woman in the Government House.
In what many have perceived as a harsh rebuttal, Oshiomhole, during an interview with TVC, countered Mrs. Obaseki’s comment by stating that the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Monday Okpebholo, not only has children but has also invested significantly in their education. Oshiomhole added that Okpebholo’s wife had actively joined him on the campaign trail, insinuating that having children and a supportive spouse was a more substantial qualification than merely having a wife.
However, Oshiomhole’s remarks have sparked widespread criticism on social media especially on X (Formerly Twitter), with many accusing the former governor of insensitivity and crossing a line in his political discourse. Several netizens expressed their dismay at what they saw as Oshiomhole mocking the Obasekis’ childlessness, a sensitive topic that many believe should not be used as political fodder.
One user remarked, “Oshiomhole mocking Obaseki and his wife for not having a baby is politics gone too far. How will you mock a family believing God for children? Do humans give babies? This is very low of Oshiomhole and very unkind! This kind of politics should never be in our society.”
https://x.com/DaddyWithDSteez/status/1830224499117338704?t=dGH4yDSt9VCGljVP5QBtxQ&s=19
Another user questioned Oshiomhole’s judgment, stating, “So if someone says your candidate doesn’t have a wife, the best response as an opposition leader is to say the person is childless? Where did you people get Oshiomhole from?”
https://x.com/kinzodizo/status/1830178206931894340?t=qUG_ZFOOtzS-lvT-7ZProA&s=19
The backlash also extended to Oshiomhole’s broader political ambitions, with some criticizing his perceived desire to control the political landscape in Edo State. “Oshiomhole is the only former governor in Edo that wants to become a godfather and decide who becomes governor in Edo by all means. It’s time Edo people start seeing Oshiomhole for who he is. Monday will not perform mainly because of Oshiomhole bossing him,” one commenter noted.
https://x.com/Cape_Coast19/status/1830154288095486027?t=mYPXu_wqvuhl-wHCrU-4Yg&s=19
The discovererng.com reports that as the political atmosphere in Edo State intensifies ahead of the governorship election, Oshiomhole’s comments have added a new layer of controversy, with many calling for a more respectful and issues-based campaign.
