At the 90th birthday celebration of Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, the Esama of Benin, former Edo State governor Adams Oshiomhole publicly apologized for any past grievances during his tenure as governor. The heartfelt apology took place on Saturday at a grand banquet held in Benin City.
Oshiomhole, reflecting on his time in office from 2008 to 2016, acknowledged Igbinedion’s crucial support in his rise to governorship and expressed deep remorse for any actions that may have caused offense. “As a Catholic, I want to confess that I may have done things I shouldn’t have as governor. At 90, it’s only right that I ask for your forgiveness,” Oshiomhole stated.
He praised Igbinedion’s leadership, particularly his role in founding Nigeria’s first private university, describing the elder statesman as a “good father” who united people across political and regional divides. “Without your support in 2007 and 2008, I might never have become governor,” he admitted.
The apology marked a significant reconciliation following a long-standing rift between Oshiomhole and the Igbinedion family, stemming from accusations Oshiomhole made in 2015 regarding alleged corruption during the tenure of Lucky Igbinedion, Gabriel’s son.
Concluding his address, Oshiomhole expressed hope for renewed unity, saying, “I believe you have forgiven me, and I now feel able to reunite with my brother, Lucky Igbinedion.”
The gesture was seen as a symbolic step towards healing old wounds, with both families having played major roles in Edo State’s political history.
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