As 2027 roars around the corner, as I heard whispers that Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu might be interested in running for Senate, I sent him a text. “Are you in town? Can I drop by for a breakfast meeting?”
“Come on over,” he said. We sat for over an hour reviewing his political journey. If you’ve sat with this man for any length of time, you will walk away with two impressions—his capacity to listen and his brilliance. Every word, and every sentence is measured like an engineer’s use of language. He is a leader in word and deed. Every now and then, we meet at gatherings, whether it be someone’s birthday party, a funeral or a wedding. Once the man walks in, the crowd erupts in ovation. He is well liked by Edo people. He stands heads and shoulders above many at about 6ft 6. If he lived in the 14th century, he would most certainly have been a warrior. People love him. Even his detractors cannot deny him respect, which leads me to the next point.
The Senate is the chamber where the knife is put to the national cake. This is the chamber where big decisions concerning the destiny of each state and the nation are taken. Who better to represent Edo South than a man of great pedigree, political sagacity and stature to help do the horse-trading required to get a fair share not only for the South-South but also for Edo State and Edo South?
The Senate is not for accidental candidates. It is hallowed grounds for big boys who can negotiate, people of stature who will command presence and respect. It is our hope that in POI’s quest for the Senate, Senator Adams Oshiomhole will rally his people who live in Edo South to support Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu’s candidacy as his aspiration does not in any way run at loggerheads with Adams Oshiomhole’s representation of Edo North. Why have one Lion in a fight if we can have two?
To the Chairman, APC, Edo State, Emperor Jarret Tenebe, a man whom I have never met, I doff my hat for your exemplary leadership of the party. Your work precedes you. This is the time for you to rally the troops.
Senator Joseph Ikpea should also remember the work that Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu did to help in his senatorial bid.
All said and done, the Lion King, Akpakomiza, our construction and infrastructure governor should remember his own declaration—-“If not for Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, I will not be governor today.”
Mr. Governor, we would love for you to help us thank the Benin people and thank Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu especially for his dogged fight in enthroning the Esan Agenda after he dropped his ambition.
Did our philosophers of old not say that ‘one good turn deserves another?’
Let him take a bow and walk to the Red Chamber without breaking a sweat. Thank you, Mr. Governor.
