BENIN CITY – A storm is brewing in Edo North Senatorial District as the “Afemai Unity” facade begins to crack under the weight of heavy allegations. Senator Adams Oshiomhole, the former labor leader turned political heavyweight, is facing a fierce backlash for allegedly running a “village-centric” patronage system that excludes half of his constituency.
While Oshiomhole rose to national prominence on the mantra of “one man, one vote” and equity for the masses, fresh evidence suggests a starkly different reality in the distribution of political spoils across the six Local Government Areas of Edo North.
A “One-Village” Government?
Critics have compiled a damning list of over 15 high-profile appointments—ranging from federal boards to state commissions—that all lead back to the Senator’s immediate doorstep. The document, titled “The Godfather’s Village Monopoly,” lists key figures who have been allegedly handpicked from Etsako West, East, and Central, leaving Owan East, Owan West, and Akoko-Edo in total political darkness.
The concentration of power is staggering. The list includes:
The “Oshiomhole Bloc” in Power: The health sector is led by Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole (Commissioner for Health), while the lucrative NDDC representation is held by Mr. Kelly Oshiomhole.
The Party Machinery: Both the APC State Chairmanship and the office of the State Secretary of the Gaming & Lottery Regulatory Board are allegedly locked within this inner circle.
Electoral & Civil Service Hooks: Positions within the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC) and the Civil Service Commission (Monica Igbadumhe and Mrs. Isikpe Irene Kadiri) are all being traced back to the same small geographical enclave.
”Let Afemai Breathe”
The sentiment across Owan and Akoko-Edo is one of betrayal. Community leaders are now demanding that the Senator “let Afemai breathe,” arguing that the current trajectory treats the other three LGAs as mere “voting appendages” rather than equal partners in the Edo North project.
”You cannot preach equity in Abuja and practice tribalism at home,” a stakeholder from Owan West remarked. “From the Governing Council of Ambrose Alli University to the National Institute of Sports, the footprint is identical. It is a government of the village, by the village, and for the village.”
The Silent Rebuttal
In response to these burgeoning allegations, sources close to the Senator’s camp—who spoke on the condition of anonymity—dismissed the claims as “mischief-making” by those who lost out in the power play.
Official Rebuttal Placeholder:
When contacted, a spokesperson for Senator Adams Oshiomhole stated that appointments are based on merit, loyalty, and the strategic needs of the party. The office maintains that the Senator remains committed to the holistic development of all six LGAs in Edo North and cautioned against “divisive rhetoric” aimed at undermining the APC’s unity in the state.
The Verdict
Despite these defenses, the optics remain grim for the Senator. As the Standard Daily Press continues to monitor the situation, the question remains: Can the APC maintain its hold on Edo North when a significant portion of its base feels systematically marginalized by its own leader?
