Edo 2024: State Burial for Anenih Caused My Rift with Oshiomhole – Obaseki

• Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki revealed that declaring a state burial for Chief Tony Anenih caused his fallout with former governor Oshiomhole
• Obaseki emphasized the need for unity in Edo State and urged support for the PDP candidate to ensure local governance representation

Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, revealed on Friday that his decision to declare a state burial for the late Chief Tony Anenih, a prominent chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), led to his fallout with his predecessor, Senator Adams Oshiomhole. This declaration occurred during Obaseki’s first term as governor under the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Obaseki made this statement at the PDP campaign rally at Opujie Primary School, Uromi, in Esan North East Local Government Area, the hometown of Chief Anenih. He called on the people to vote for the PDP candidate. He emphasized that they were the first to advocate for the next governor of Edo State to come from Edo Central, while alleging that the APC had initially preferred a Benin candidate.

He stated, “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 Oshiomhole and me, 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 affirmed his support for a candidate from Esan, emphasizing that unity in Edo State requires backing a capable candidate like Asue Ighodalo.

The PDP candidate, Asue Ighodalo, promised to complete all ongoing projects in Esanland, saying, “We will complete all ongoing projects in Esan North East and across all Esanland, whether it be water, roads, hospitals, schools, or anything else, and create new ones.”

Local government officials, including Dr. Inedegbor Kelly and Hon. John Yakubu, expressed their support for the PDP. Senator Clifford Ordia and other party leaders also urged the people to vote for the PDP.

Prince Joe Okojie praised Governor Obaseki in Esan songs, highlighting Obaseki’s commitment to ensuring an Esan person would become governor, a promise he believes has now been fulfilled.