Dele Momodu, the Chairman of Ovation Media Group, has sharply criticised Senator Adams Oshiomhole for mocking the Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki and his wife, Betsy for not having children.
Momodu’s reaction follows Oshiomhole’s derogatory remarks regarding the Obaseki couple’s childlessness.
Oshiomhole, a former governor of Edo State and prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), made the comments while responding to a statement made by Mrs. Betsy Obaseki during a campaign event.
During the flag-off of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) campaign at Ubiaja Township Stadium, Mrs. Obaseki introduced Ifeyinwa Ighodalo, the wife of PDP gubernatorial candidate Asue Ighodalo.
She highlighted Ighodalo as the only candidate with a wife, suggesting that having a woman in the Government House would be beneficial.
Mrs. Obaseki emphasised the importance of supporting candidates with family values, saying,
“Let us vote for the best candidate in this coming election, and I want to introduce the wife. Incidentally, among all the candidates, only one has a wife, and it’s our own party’s candidate, Asue Ighodalo.”
This statement, meant to underscore Ighodalo’s personal background, was met with a response from Oshiomhole that many found to be disrespectful.
He used the opportunity to mock the Obasekis’ childlessness, which many critics argue was unnecessary and hurtful.
Responding via a statement on social media, Momodu said that Oshiomhole’s comments were “too far” and demonstrated a lack of respect.
Momodu said, “It is disappointing and deeply inappropriate for a respected political figure like Senator Oshiomhole to use such personal and sensitive issues to attack his political opponents.
“The Obasekis’ family situation is a private matter and should not be a subject of mockery.
“Political discourse should focus on issues that affect the lives of the people, not personal attacks that do nothing but sow division and hurt.”
The political rivalry between Oshiomhole and Obaseki has been marked by personal and political clashes, with both sides frequently exchanging barbs.
In this context, Oshiomhole’s remarks about the Obasekis’ family situation are seen as an escalation of the personal attacks that have characterised their ongoing feud.
The public response to Oshiomhole’s comments has been one of shock and disapproval.
Many Nigerians, including political analysts and commentators, have condemned the remarks as a form of political harassment.
