Edo governorship poll: Oshiomhole seeks forgiveness from Igbinedion after 9 years
Senator Adams Oshiomhole, the former Edo State Governor, has publicly sought forgiveness from Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, the Esama of Benin, for any potential wrongdoings during his tenure as governor 9 years ago.
Oshiomhole offered this apology during a banquet in Benin on Saturday, commemorating Igbinedion’s 90th birthday.
He referred to the Esama as a “good father” and lauded his societal contributions.
In his message, Oshiomhole reflected on Igbinedion’s influence, describing him as a mentor and guide. He used the occasion to apologize for any past misunderstandings. “You brought together people from all parts of the country; North, South, East, and West, and across political and religious divides,” Oshiomhole said, acknowledging Igbinedion’s impact.
Oshiomhole also expressed his gratitude for the support Igbinedion gave him during his political career.
He openly acknowledged, “I want to publicly acknowledge your support for me in 2007 and 2008, without which I might never have become the governor of Edo State.”
He thanked Igbinedion for the advice and guidance, some of which he may not have even been aware of at the time.
“As a Catholic, I want to confess that I might have done some things I shouldn’t have done as governor,” Oshiomhole admitted.
At 90 years of age, he said it was only right to ask for forgiveness for any of his actions that might have upset the Esama.
He likened Igbinedion’s vast influence to a parent with many children, explaining that just as some children can cause frustration, the same could happen in a large circle of supporters.
Oshiomhole humorously added, “That is the challenge of having too many children; you have tall ones, short ones, big ones, and small ones. And the small one turns out to be one of those that caused you harm.”
He then expressed his desire to apologize openly, saying, “I have always looked for one opportunity to say to the Esama of the universe that I am sorry for any of the things that I said knowingly or unknowingly or any of the things that I did that a son should never have done to a father. On your 90th birthday, I ask for your forgiveness, and I pray that you grant it.”
He also lightheartedly reflected on the challenges of parenthood, noting, “The only way to avoid children doing things you don’t like is not to have any. But with as many children as God has blessed you with, some are bound to irritate you. Even me, who has six children, sometimes I wonder why they do the things that I do not approve of.”
In conclusion, Oshiomhole praised Chief Igbinedion’s leadership, especially for establishing Nigeria’s first private university and other ventures that have earned international recognition for the country.