Former Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole is facing significant backlash after making a controversial comment about Betsy Obaseki, wife of the current governor, Godwin Obaseki.
During a recent campaign event, Oshiomhole criticized Betsy Obaseki’s statement about gubernatorial candidates, leading to widespread condemnation for what many are calling an insensitive remark.
The incident began on Thursday when Betsy Obaseki spoke at a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) rally in Ubiaja township stadium. While introducing Ifeyinwa Ighodalo, wife of the PDP’s gubernatorial candidate Asue Ighodalo, Betsy highlighted the fact that Ighodalo was the only candidate in the September 21 election who had a spouse.
She urged women to support candidates who value family, suggesting it would positively impact women’s empowerment.
Oshiomhole, now a senator representing Edo North, reacted strongly to Betsy’s comment. He claimed in an interview that Betsy and her husband, Godwin Obaseki, are childless and have not adopted any children. He criticized Betsy for allegedly implying that another candidate, Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC), was without a wife.
“I was shocked to hear Mrs. Obaseki say our candidate has no wife. Here is a woman who has no child. Between her and Obaseki, they are childless. They are not even ready to adopt,” Oshiomhole said.
The former governor further remarked on the Obasekis’ lack of children, stating, “I don’t blame anybody who doesn’t have a child but people who have love for children go to a motherless home and adopt. They have not adopted. They are both in their sixties.”
Oshiomhole’s comments have sparked outrage on social media. Many users criticized his remarks as inappropriate and offensive.
Frederick Omoyoma Odorige, a prominent social media user, wrote, “This Adams Oshiomhole is very StewPIT. Can’t he allow Okpebole to speak for himself? Same Adams who told a widow to go and die? Why is he more desperate than the candidate?”
Another user, bizman, commented, “Adams is insensitive and inhumane. Very noisy and uncultured man who is ready to say and do anything for politics sake.”
Even within the political realm, reactions have been mixed. Some see Oshiomhole’s comments as an attempt to undermine the Obasekis’ credibility, while others view it as a blatant attack on personal matters that should be irrelevant to political discussions.
This incident comes amid a heated election campaign in Edo State. The state is preparing for the governorship election scheduled for September 21, 2024. The campaign has been marked by intense rivalries and personal attacks, which are not unusual in Nigerian politics.
Oshiomhole’s response has been criticized for focusing on personal issues rather than policy debates. Critics argue that such remarks only serve to distract from the real issues at stake in the election, including governance, development, and the welfare of Edo State residents.
