End of ‘godfatherism’ in Edo: How Nyesom Wike, became the ‘god-brother’ to Godwin Obaseki

It is very true of the saying that “When one door closes, another opens,” and that has conspicuously been the fate of Governor Godwin Obaseki, the executive governor of Edo state.

The incumbent governor of Edo state for reasons that were obviously unsound, was at variance with his so called ‘godfather,’ Adams Oshiomhole to the deteriorative point that parting ways with each other became inevitably imminent. But the parting foisted a grievous impending consequence on Obaseki which ultimately would lead to his disgraceful denial of retaining his position as the executive governor of his state. A price he wittingly did not want to pay, at least not in the manner it was demanded of him.

Obaseki was faced with a moment of decision to either damn the consequence and do away with his godfather and his political camp or remain with him in shame and denial. With the feeling of being pushed to the wall, Obaseki took a drastic decision and dumped the political party through which he clinched the governorship seat, and accepted the beckon of the opposition party in hope of a greener pasture.

His fate was not well defined, but he knew that it’s better to take a step than to stand still and be starved to death.

He left his godfather, but a ‘god-brother’ in the name of Nyesom Wike showed up, and the rest became a success story.

The just concluded Edo Guber election was a positive litmus test that ushered in a new normal of doing away with political “godfatherism” in this new democratic dispensation in Nigeria.

But this new normal has also ushered in another new era of “godbrotherism” in Nigeria’s political arena, taking into cognisance the role that Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers state played in assisting Obaseki to retain his nearly lost governorship seat in Edo state.

Wike’s role was that of a good brother who out of sheer true love and selflessness looks out to see that his brother is kept out of trouble, in good condition, peaceful and happy.

This relationship is seen as a better one than that of the political ‘godfatherism’ where the godchild will always in fear and trembling adhere and heed to the desire and demand of his self-seeking godfather.

Governor Nyesom Wike is indeed a political god-brother to Governor Godwin Obaseki, and it is a commendable political relationship that should be embraced and emulated in this new political dispensation in Nigeria, if we really want our political leaders to be more responsible, perform well in their offices and serve the public wholeheartedly without dictates from godfathers.

By Obinna Ejianya @obinna_ejianya
9News Nigeria

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