Special Correspondent, TITUS OITSE, reports on the furore generated in Edo Government House by the sudden resignation from office and defection of Oba of Benin’s son, from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Prince Osama Erediauwa
These are not the best of times for Edo State Governor, Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole. Just when the comrade governor was trying to get over the sudden defection of party chieftains, including four lawmakers, to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Osama Erediauwa, son to Oba of Benin, resigned his appointment as Executive Director in the Governor’s Office. As if the sudden resignation was not enough, he equally defected to the PDP. The PDP has been celebrating his defection ever since.
Trouble started on Thursday, July 3, when the prince suddenly resigned his appointment as Executive Director in Oshiomhole’s office. In a letter he addressed to the Edo Secretary to State Government (SSG) announcing his resignation, Prince Erediauwa expressed gratitude to the government for the opportunity given to him to serve the state.
TheNiche reliably gathered that the resignation and defection of the prince shocked Oshiomhole because of the cordial relationship he has had with the Benin monarch. It is known that quite a number of persons from the palace are in Oshiomhole’s government, hence the cordial relationship.
Incidentally, within 24 hours of Osama’s resignation and defection, the palace responded, stressing that he was on his own in the action. In a statement signed by Frank Irabor, Secretary, Benin Traditional Council, the palace condemned and frowned at Osama’s action.
According to the statement, “The Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba of Benin has heard in the news about his son, Prince Osama Erediauwa, who resigned his appointment with the Edo State Government and joined the Peoples Democratic Party to pursue his political aspiration. This is to let the general public know that it was shocking to the Omo N’Oba that Prince Osama resigned his appointment as an Executive Director in the Governor’s Office.”
The statement added: “The essence of this press release is to let the general public, especially mischief-makers, know that the decision of Prince Osama to resign his appointment and join the PDP is entirely at his discretion. It does not represent the position of the Omo N’Oba.
“The Omo N’Oba is solidly behind the state government ably led by Comrade Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole.”
Our reporter gathered that Osama’s exit came as a surprise to the Benin monarch, owing to the huge patronage the palace enjoys from the Oshiomhole administration. It would be recalled that when the prince got married recently, the government participated fully.
Meanwhile, efforts to get the reaction of the state government were unsuccessful, as none of the officials was ready to speak on the unexpected development. However, a source close to the Edo Government House, who pleaded anonymity, described the development as a “non-issue, as Osama was really never a factor within the government”.
On the reasons behind Osama’s action, the source stated: “He is not the only one the governor gave political appointment as a mark of goodwill to the palace. You have Princess Theresa Erediauwa, who is Executive Director of MDGs Bureau. You have Princess Ekiuwa Inneh, who the governor made the Head of Service in 2012 and, on retirement last year, he made her the Head of the Civil Service Commission. Prince Ekpen (Erediauwa) is the immediate past chairman of Oredo Local Government Area.
“I can tell you that his siblings, who are still occupying high positions in the current administration, are concerned by his action. I am sure our highly revered Oba would also be unhappy with this.”
Edo State Chairman of PDP, Dan Osi Orbih, described the coming of Osama as the beginning of the end of the ruling APC in the state. He equally made a veiled statement that the palace is now solidly behind the PDP.
However, a palace chief, who is also a chieftain of the ruling APC, said: “Osama is not a politician and never a factor in government.”
The prince may not be a factor, but his sudden resignation and defection to the opposition party has sent a wrong signal that all may not be well between the Oshiomhole-led government and the palace.
When the prince was being received by PDP chieftains at the party secretariat, he noted that Edo people would soon begin to see action. He did not state what the actions would be.
Government critics, however, argue that his action may signify more hazy days ahead for the Oshiomhole administration.
