Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, revealed on Friday that his decision to grant a state burial for the late Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Chief Tony Anenih, was a major reason for his fallout with his predecessor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, who is now a senator.
Obaseki shared this during the PDP campaign rally held at Opujie Primary School in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area, Anenih’s hometown.
Obaseki explained that the late Anenih passed away during his first term as governor, while he was still a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC). However, he chose to honor Anenih’s contributions to Edo State and Nigeria by declaring a state burial, a decision that reportedly angered Oshiomhole.
Speaking to the crowd, Obaseki urged the people of Esan to back the PDP candidate, emphasizing that it was their insistence that the next governor of Edo State should come from Edo Central.
He criticized the APC for allegedly attempting to push for a Benin candidate, only to eventually select an Esan candidate “through the back door.”
“When Chief Anenih died, I was not in PDP, but I declared a state burial for him because of his contributions to our dear state and Nigeria. This was one of the things that created issues between me and Oshiomole, who never wanted it. He considered it an unforgivable sin which he could not overlook. But I have to do what is good. We are all one. Edo State is one,” Obaseki said.
He continued, “That is why I am here today. For Edo to be united, I have to support an Esan man for governor. And not just any Esan man, but a capable, competent, intellectually sound person with a good track record, like Asue Ighodalo.”
Obaseki emphasized that Edo’s progress hinges on electing a leader like Ighodalo, who possesses the vision and expertise to move the state forward.
During the rally, PDP’s candidate, Asue Ighodalo, reassured the people of Esanland that all ongoing projects would be completed under his leadership. He promised to bring development to the region, ensuring that critical areas such as water, roads, hospitals, and schools would be addressed.
“I will complete all ongoing projects and create more. We will complete all ongoing projects in Esan North East and across all Esanland. Be it water, roads, hospitals, schools, or anything, we will complete them and create new ones,” Ighodalo said.
He also declared his intention to make Edo self-sufficient, promising that the state would become a model for others. “Edo will be self-sufficient under my administration and become a state other states will come to. With us, Edo will not suffer poverty,” he stated.
Ighodalo concluded by calling on the people to support the continuity of Obaseki’s achievements, adding, “Let us support the good work to continue. Obaseki has done well, and we will build on that foundation.”
