Oshiomhole Under Fire for Comments About Obaseki’s Wife

• Senator Adams Oshiomhole faces backlash for claiming Betsy Obaseki, wife of Edo Governor, is childless, igniting controversy on social media
• Oshiomhole’s comments during a campaign event have been criticized as insensitive, with calls for his apology from gender advocacy groups

Former Governor of Edo State Senator Adams Oshiomhole has faced backlash over his comments that Betsy Obaseki, the wife of Edo Governor Godwin Obaseki, “has no child.”

The controversy began following a campaign event in Ubiaja, where the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) launched its governorship campaign for Esan South-East Local Government Area (LGA). During the event, Betsy Obaseki emphasized the family-oriented nature of PDP candidate Asue Ighodalo, introducing Ighodalo’s wife, Ifeyinwa, and urging women to support Ighodalo. She pointed out that he was the only candidate with a wife in the September 21 election, suggesting that this reflected positively on women’s empowerment.

However, in an interview, Oshiomhole accused Betsy Obaseki of falsely claiming that All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate Monday Okpebholo had no wife. He controversially remarked that the Obasekis, who are in their sixties, are childless and have not adopted any children.

Oshiomhole said, “I was shocked to hear Mrs. Obaseki say our candidate has no wife. She and her husband are childless and have not adopted. I don’t blame anyone who does not have children, but those who care about children should adopt from motherless homes.”

He contrasted this with Okpebholo’s family, noting that his children are well-educated and actively involved in the campaign.

Oshiomhole’s remarks have sparked widespread criticism on social media, particularly on X (formerly Twitter). Users such as @TheoAbuAgada condemned the senator’s comments, questioning the depths to which he would go. @gladys_onyetem criticized him for reinforcing negative perceptions of the APC, while @Uniquebabatunde called for his removal from the Senate, labeling his statements as demoralizing.