Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu on Wednesday declared his affection for Esan ethnic group, declaring that oneness of Edo made him to support former governor of the defunct Bendel State now Edo and States, Prof. Ambrose Alli, during his days as student leader in the University of Benin (UNIBEN).
Alli the late Professor of Morbid Anatomy, who was the Candidate of the United Party of Nigeria (UPN) in Bendel State now (Edo and Delta States), hails from Ekpoma, Esan West Local government Area in Edo Central Senatorial District of Edo State.
Ize-Iyamu, All Progressives Congress (APC) aspirant made the assertion when he declared his ambition to contest September 21, 2024 governorship election in Benin City — a subtle move to assuage the feelings and of Esan ethnic group, which is determined to produce the next governor of the State.
He recalled his role in Edo State 2007 and 2012 governorship elections that were won by Senator Adams Oshiomhole who hails from Etsako, in Edo North Senatorial district in the State, promising to redefine the renewed hope agenda for the benefits of Edo people.
According to Ize-Iyamu, who hails from Orhiomwon Local government Area of the State in Edo South Senatorial district, “As a student leader in the University of Benin, I was the youth leader of United Party of Nigeria (UPN). It is my belief in the oneness of Edo that made me support Prof. Ambrose Alli of the UPN, from Esan to become Governor of the old Bendel State.
“Similarly, it is common knowledge my role in the election of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole from Etsako, in Edo North senatorial district in the 2007 and 2012 Governorship elections.
“It is impossible for me to discriminate on any basis because my motivation in politics is the admonition by Jesus Christ that “let your light so shine among men so they shall see your good works and glorify your father in heaven.
“So, I endeavour my light to shine in the midst of darkness, and that light is not for some, but for all . This is why when I see an Edo indigene, I do not see a Benin, an Esan, an Etsako, an Owan, an Akoko-Edo, an Ika, an Ijaw or a Hausa, an Igbo or a Yoruba. I see an Edo person, whether indigene or a resident. This was how I was raised by my parents, and it is a vital part of my pastoral calling”, he said
“Our heritage and diversity in lineage are some of the most beautiful orchestrations of our creator worthy of celebration not condemnation.
“For as tough as these times are, if we look a little closer, we will see bright spots in every corner of our dear State. The strength, the passion, the determination, the resilience that has long defined Edo, regardless of clan and creed. Let us hold our government responsible and demand from them, that which they willingly promise.
TheNewspad recalls that in 2016 and 2020, Ize-Iyamu, the politician turned Pastor, had contested the State governorship polls on the platform of PDP and APC, twice.
But he was defeated by the incumbent governor of the State, Mr Godwin Obaseki and his deputy, Philip Shaibu — both contested on APC and PDP and won.
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