By: Kamal Yalwa
July 26, 2025
Former Governor of Edo State and Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, has addressed the controversy surrounding remarks about Peter Obi’s recent visit to a state-owned facility in Edo, stating that the media exaggerated the incident.
Speaking during a public engagement, Oshiomhole said there was no personal rift between him and the Labour Party presidential candidate, whom he described as a former colleague and someone he still holds in high regard despite their differing political views.
“I think the media tried to exaggerate it,” Oshiomhole said. “You know, people who don’t talk too much must choose how they communicate. The essential message was clear: Obi and I know each other well, and I like him—I still do—but politically, we don’t agree.”
The Senator narrated how, in early June, he was invited to the University of Nigeria, Nsukka by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to deliver a lecture. In anticipation of the trip, he made efforts to notify the Enugu State Governor out of respect and protocol, even though he is no longer a serving governor.
“I asked my orderly to get the phone number of the Governor. When he finally reached the Governor’s ADC, I requested that my visit be conveyed to His Excellency and that I would appreciate security support from the airport to Nsukka. There’s no law mandating this—it’s simply about decency and mutual respect.”
Oshiomhole recounted a similar precedent from his time as Governor of Edo State when former President Olusegun Obasanjo—despite their strained relationship during Oshiomhole’s time as Nigeria Labour Congress President—formally informed him of a visit to Edo State and requested logistical and security support.
“Obasanjo came to my residence, and when the media asked why, he said, and I quote: ‘Whomever you think you are, when visiting a state, there is a constitutional authority in that state. Out of respect, you inform the Governor.’”
He stressed that Peter Obi, though well-intentioned, should have extended the same courtesy when visiting a government-owned nursing school in Edo State—an institution fully built, funded, and maintained by the state government.
“It’s not a private facility. It’s owned 100% by the Edo State Government. So, even if Obi has good intentions, as a former Governor, he should understand the importance of protocol and decency in such cases.”
Oshiomhole concluded by stating that Governor Godwin Obaseki’s concerns were not about seeking permission, but a matter of basic courtesy and administrative order.
“Maybe it was a question of how people interpreted the Governor’s choice of words. But the message was clear: if you’re coming to a state facility, it’s just respectful to notify the sitting Governor. It’s not about protocol or permission—it’s about decency.”
