REVEALED: HOW OSHIOMHOLE'S MOTHER ARRANGED OBASEKI'S "SURPRISE VISIT"

The media was agog on Monday when the embattled Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki paid the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and his predecessor Comrade Adams Oshiomhole a “surprise visit” at his Iyamho country home on the occasion of the Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

The visit has continued to generate reactions, as some political watchers are of the opinion that it is akin to eating the humble pie on the part of the governor to have the lingering feud between him and his erstwhile “political godfather” resolved.

A meeting to broker truce between the current governor and his predecessor held in Abuja a couple of weeks back which had the billionaire business mogul, Aliko Dangote and some very senior national officers of the party in attendance.

But feelers from Edo North, Oshiomhole’s country base has hinted to Issuesplus Daily that Governor Obaseki’s well reported “surprise visit” wasn’t a surprise after all.

According to a source who gave him name simply as Malik Ozemoya, an Edo based politician, the “surprise visit” was arranged by Oshiomhole’s mother, Hajia Aishetu Oshiomole.

The source added that being worried over the implications and consequences of the dispute between his son and his successor; she had enlisted the support of the Deputy Governor, Mr. Philip Shuaibu to reach out to the Otaru of Auchi, Alhaji Hybred Aliru Momoh Ikelebe III to be in company of the Governor on a visit to Oshiomhole in the spirit of Sallah. Having the Auchi monarch whom Oshiomhole is said to have a very high regard for, would, to a larger extent, gladden his heart and prevent the likelihood whereby the governor would be snubbed.

Click here to read: OSHIOMHOLE-OBASEKI RIFT TEARING EDO LAWMAKERS-ELECT APART

“It is public knowledge that Comrade [Oshiomhole] respects Otaru very much,” said Ozemoya; adding, ”that’s why Philip Shuaibu [the Deputy Governor] was asked to reach out to him to be in the governor’s entourage to Comrade’s house. In their thinking, even if it was likely that Comrade would snub Obaseki, the presence of Otaru would take care of that. And it worked as you can see the outcome.

“So I praise those who came up with that idea. I am particularly full of praises for Hajia Aishetu, that at her old age, the needed wisdom to guide her son remains effective,” Ozemoya added.

Our source also disclosed that the visit was to achieve an aim, namely, despite the rumoured rift between Adams Oshiomhole and Governor Obaseki, it would look to the world that both are ready to embrace peace for the progress of the state.

“Edo State cannot afford this lingering dispute between wo of its most visible political gladiators. A quarrel between both is a call to anarchy,” Ozemoya further noted.

During the visit, the governor expressed his delight at the incredible support he received from the Muslim community and reiterated his commitment to the transformation of Edo State and the empowerment of its entire people.

In his own response, the Otaru of Auchi commended the governor for his uncommon leadership and advised him not to succumb to the forces of darkness preaching division in Edo State. He encouraged the governor to remain prayerful and continue to strive in the interest of the people.

Speaking earlier Tuesday, Oshiomhole said the rift between him and Obaseki was created by people.

"Obaseki is my brother. The rift was created by people for their interest," Oshiomhole assured.

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