By DADA AYOKHAI
Beyond merriment, the Christmas season serves as a period for politicians to pay homage to power brokers.
In a display of loyalty and solidarity, top politicians converge on Udomi, community, Irrua, the country home of Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo.
With the governor’s village transformed into a veritable Mecca for politicians, members of the State Executive Council, Local Government Government Area chairmen, and party leaders from across the State and beyond are presently on a pilgrimage to udomi ,in irrua, Edo central LGA .
The mass visitation underscores the significance of Okpebholo’s influence in shaping Edo State’s political landscape, as stakeholders seek to curry favor and solidify alliances.
In Edo North district, before Comrade Adams Oshiomhole’s governorship in 2008, Fugar in Etsako Central and South Ibie in Etsako West LGAs were the epicenters of political power, and boast of influential figures like Chief Mike Oghiadomhe , former Edo state deputy governor and Victor Oyofo, Senator representing the district at the National Assembly.
However, Oshiomhole’s ascension as governor marked a seismic shift, redirecting the political spotlight to Iyamho, his Uzairue country home
For eight years, Iyamho was the undisputed hub of festive politics, with politicians converging on the village to pay homage to the governor. Oshiomhole’s subsequent appointment as APC National Chairman further solidified Iyamho’s status, a trend that persisted even after his removal from the post. As former governor, party leader, and Senator, Oshiomhole continued to draw a steady stream of visitors to Iyambo, cementing the village’s reputation as a power center.
This shift underscores the enduring influence of Oshiomhole in Edo North politics, with Iyamho remaining a key destination for politicians seeking to curry favor.
Recently, Ikabigbo in Uzairue, the country home of APC Edo State Chairman, Jarret Tenebe, is now sharing the traffic with Oshiomhole’s villa at Iyamho, indicating a shift in political influence in Edo North. This change is likely due to Tenebe’s growing prominence as APC Edo State Chairman and a strong allies of Governor Okpebholo .
Ikabighbo has suddenly becomes a magnet for politicians seeking patronage. A steady stream of visitors, including party bigwigs and aspirants, flocked to Tenebe’s country home, paying homage to the influential chairman.
To many, Tenebe’s rising influence is a boon for both Uzairue and Edo North, solidifying the region’s grip on state politics. As politicians converge on Ikabigbo, whispers of a brewing power play abound.
A chairmanship hopeful in Etsako west LGA Hon Abubakar Igbei lauded Tenebe’s leadership, saying, “Edo North is proud to have Tenebe as APC state chairman and Comrade Oshiomhole as a leader of the party in the state.”
Igbei prayed for the duo’s continued success, hinting at a strong political alliance.
