GENERAL ( DR.) SAMUEL OISAGBOVO OGBEMUDIA FINDS HIS PHILOSOPHER KING AT LAST - Edoko Wilson

GENERAL ( DR.) SAMUEL OISAGBOVO OGBEMUDIA FINDS HIS PHILOSOPHER KING AT LAST - Edoko Wilson

For those of you from Afemai( Owan particularly),the name Chief Patrick Imonikhe is not unfamiliar to you. He is my paternal Uncle( my father's first cousin). He is one of the oldest politicians in Edo north. So old in the game that he was Ogbemudia's Edo north coordinator when the latter won election as a civilian governor in 1983.

Some Months ago,Ogbemudia told Edo people that he has resigned from PDP and politics.( I was not happy about this then),but he also said that,his last political act will be to ensure a capable hand,who is not only administratively sound but fears God becomes the next governor of Edo state. Honestly,I was one of those who thought he may be acting his way to the APC. For this disrespectful thought on this great Edo Elderstatesman,I now apologize. The man loves Edo too much to compromise standard.

Now,back to my uncle Patrick Imonikhe. When last I visited home,I told him to start playing politics for my interest not his since he is not only old now but my interest is his as well. I then asked him to start campaigning for Ize Iyamu. Do you know his annoying response. He told me he has heard me but he will need to consult with the leader of his group EDO MASS MOVEMENT- General Ogbemudia Rtd. I was angry because he is telling me a stranger will give him the go ahead to support the candidate of his blood.

Just yesterday,he called me and this is what he told me.

" My son,Dr.Ogbemudia has asked us( Members of EMM) to start working for your man Pastor Osagie Ize Iyamu. I have been mobilized by him as the EMM for Ize Iyamu Coordinator in EDO North. I asked him how it happened as I never thought Ogbemudia will go this length of even spending his money to support a PDP candidate. He told me that it did not just happened perfunctorily but a meeting of all EMM members across the state was called by Dr Ogbemudia at Benin.

Both Ize Iyamu of the PDP and Godwin Obaseki of the APC were invited to come and address the group. Obaseki came very late on the day he was invited. So late that the members see it as very disrespectful. He was asked to speak to the people about his manifesto. He not only stuttered and quibbled throughout 1 hour but he seems not to know Edo people very well. He comes across as a stranger hunting for a throne in another's land. He was excused. Pastor Ize Iyamu was prompt. He started by observing all the Edo traditional protocols in the presence of Elders. He then enumerated his simple agenda in very plain language. Dr. Ogbemudia who could not hold back himself had to stand up and hug him. He was so much impressed."

So Uncle,you people then chose him( I interjected). No,I am still talking he said.

When Ize Iyamu left,Dr. Ogbemudia addressed us and asked us to weigh the 2 candidates and make our choice as he does not want to impose anybody on them. They now did a mini congress and Pastor Ize Iyamu emerged the winner with 302 votes against Obaseki's 17. EMM have decided said Ogbemudia. Let's all go and work for the candidate of the group Pastor Ize Iyamu. I will be personally responsible for providing you with logistics. I owe Edo people that. Giving them the best man for the job.

That is it. Dr. Ogbemudia finds his philosopher King at last.