Edo 2024: Obaseki's 'Divine' Forgiveness of Shaibu's 'Political Follies'

By Ehichioya Ezomon "He who is begged or pleaded with is king," is an adage that the average Edo person doesn't take for granted, mostly if the act for which forgiveness is sought is committed publicly - such that the aggrieved feels slighted and injured - and the mollification is also displayed openly. Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki aptly symbolically assumes a kingly position lately, as he exhibits the spirit of divine, to forgive Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu, who'd "erred" by aspiring to succeed Obaseki in 2024. It's Shaibu's inalienable right to aspire to be governor in an off-season election in September 2024, to round-off Obaseki's eight-year tenure in November 2024. But Obaseki reckoned the act as in bad faith and taste. To Obaseki, who'd dealt with his acclaimed political godfather and predecessor in office, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole - culminating in the now Senator for Edo North being sacked by the courts as national chairman of the APC - Shaibu's a small fry to make mincemeat of. But before Obaseki could twist the screw further, well-meaning Nigerians stepped in to engender truce, leading to Shaibu's withdrawal of his writs in the courts, and offering "sincere apologies" to Obaseki for whatever his follies. Exactly one week after, on September 28, Shaibu's prayers were answered, as Obaseki, touting himself as a "person of faith," said he's "under obligation to accept the apology." Governor Obaseki deserves some plaudits! Yet, the swords sheathed, and the guns silenced, the lessons learned should endure, as political ambition die hard. For Shaibu - and many in his shoes - the ultimate is to be in full control as the Executive Governor, despite being deputy for eight years. Nothing else suffices! Read more: https://phmundial.com/edo-2024-obasekis-divine-forgiveness-of-shaibus-political-follies/