Two days ago, I had the amusing pleasure of hearing Governor Godwin Obaseki once again take center stage at a market square—this time, to lament how the Edo State Commissioner of Police refused to carry out his personal agenda.
Obaseki, with all the flair of a street dramatist, raised a false alarm, claiming that the APC was arresting his supporters to clamp down on his party ahead of the September 21st election. This cry for sympathy came right after the police arrested a council chairman who, with the swagger of a local warlord, led a group of thugs to attack APC members. But trust Obaseki, when things don’t go his way, it’s time to put on the victim hat.
Now, forgive me if I can’t help but chuckle a little. This is the same Obaseki who allegedly stationed a squad of SWAT operatives outside my Abuja premises, making my own house look like a scene from a Nollywood thriller. Yet here he is, sobbing that the Federal Government is hunting down his “boys.” Well, my dear Edo people, maybe we should ask him which boys he’s referring to.
Could it be the same ones fingered in the murder of a police inspector? Or are these the loyal thugs who Obaseki once boldly claimed would set Nigeria ablaze if they were touched? Truly, when a lion turns to a goat, even the smallest dog will bark.
Obaseki’s cries are becoming a bit too familiar. He’s like the boy in the ancient fable, constantly crying wolf until no one listens anymore. Edo people are tired, and like we say in my village, “When a monkey is dancing too much in the market, the people will soon realize it’s not just a show, but madness.”
This is the same governor who, for four solid years, refused to inaugurate 14 lawmakers, leaving their constituencies in political darkness, with no representation. The same Obaseki, who’s been demolishing homes of opposition members like a wrecking ball on steroids, destroying livelihoods because the people dared to stand against his reign. And let’s not forget how he has dragged our cherished traditional institutions into the mud, showing nothing but disregard for what Edo people hold sacred.
Obaseki’s deceit is becoming legendary. His ability to twist facts and manipulate stories is impressive—almost like a seasoned agbero(street tout) who, after causing chaos, turns around and pretends to be the victim. The same man who once said Nigeria would burn if anyone touched his boys is now the same person crying for mercy because his plans are unravelling. As we say, “When the broomstick you used to beat others finally turns around and hits you, you’ll feel the sting much harder.”
Even the rich, it seems, have their own share of woes, but in this case, Edo people know what’s really going on. Obaseki’s “wolf cries” won’t deceive us this time. We’ve watched this play out for far too long, and like my wise grandmother used to say, “You can’t fool the same person twice with the same trick, except that person has chosen to be blind.”Edo people have their eyes wide open, and they’re ready to vote without fear or intimidation, no matter how loud Obaseki wails.
“The bird that cries while perched on a farmer’s fence knows the stone is coming, it just doesn’t know when.”So, Obaseki, keep crying, but know this—Edo people have had enough of your tales of deceit and lies. Las las, everybody go chop breakfast, and yours might just be the coldest plate served.
Osigwe Omo-Ikirodah is the Chairman and CEO of Bush Radio Academy.
