_By Hon Desmond Ugbo_
The recent PDP governorship campaign rally in Ubiaja, Esan South East Local Government Area in Edo State witnessed a moment of controversy as Edo State First Lady, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki, made a seemingly insensitive remarks about the marital status of the APC Governorship Candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo and other candidates in the September 21st Governorship election.
During her address to the PDP members, Mrs. Obaseki took a jab at Senator Okpebholo, stating, “All the candidates that is contesting election, it is only one of them that have a wife and that is Asue Ighodalo” This statement, which was intended as a mocking rebuke, quickly drew strong reactions from the audience and beyond.
Edo residents, some of whom were in attendance, expressed their disapproval of the First Lady’s comments, with some describing it as “uncalled for.” A PDP chieftain, who chose to remain anonymous, aptly summed up the sentiment, saying, “Mrs. Betsy Obaseki should learn that those who live in glass houses should not throw stones.”
The irony of the situation was not lost on the attendees, as several pointed out that neither Mrs. Obaseki nor her husband, Governor Godwin Obaseki, have children of their own. Similarly, former Governor Adams Oshiomhole, a prominent political figure in the state, addressed the issue directly, saying,
“I was shocked yesterday to see Mrs Obaseki (the First Lady) saying that our candidate has no wife. Here’s a woman who has no child. Between him and Obaseki her husband, they have no child. They are childless. They are not even ready to adopt…They are both in their sixties. Our candidate not only has children, he has invested in their education such that you watch them on live television cover by Media stations where the first one that spoke is a lawyer, the second one is a medical doctor and they addressed the crowd in Edo South, in Edo Central and in Edo North, and their mother was there”, said Senator Adams Oshiomhole.
Meanwhile, it is often said that you get what you give always in life. If you give Love, then you get love in return, if you give hate then you might get hate. If you laugh at someone then you can also be laughed at, that is the simple law of retributive justice.
Moreso, “If you don’t like anyone reminding your sister of her barrenness, tell her not to mock others about being unmarried”, said Mrs Ebhodaghe Victoria.
Senator Oshiomhole, in his reaction to the condemnable statement further highlighted the contrast, noting that Senator Okpebholo not only has children but has also invested in their education, with the eldest being a lawyer and the second a medical doctor, who addressed the crowd in different senatorial districts.
The incident has sparked a wider discussion about the importance of empathy and understanding, particularly in the realm of public discourse. Many have argued that the First Lady’s remarks were not only insensitive but also reflected a lack of self-awareness, as the Obaseki family’s own personal circumstances could be seen as equally open to scrutiny.
“`"Who no get pikin dey laugh who no get wife, na wow".“` said by Mrs Uyiosa Omoigui.
As the political landscape in Edo State continues to evolve, this episode serves as a reminder that those in positions of power should exercise caution and sensitivity when addressing the personal lives of their opponents, lest they risk facing the same level of scrutiny and criticism they have directed at others.
