By Austin Ogwuda
IT is no longer news that since incumbent Governor Sheriff Oborevwori took over the mantle of leadership in Delta State a year ago, two-time Governor of the State, Olorogun James Onanefe Ibori popularly known as ‘Odidigborigbo’ of Africa had been absent at state functions.
The reason of which is best known to him but in the realm of speculation, it might not be unconnected with the fallout of last gubernatorial election in the State that was fought dirty.
Prior to the election proper, the build up starting from that primary election of the ruling People’s Democratic Party, PDP which finally threw up Oborevwori as the flag bearer, to say that the system was heated to a boiling point is stating the obvious.
They were all sorts of power play, intrigues, bitterness, acrimony, mudslinging and outright decamping by some Party bigwigs to other political parties; not of convenience but for relevance and vehicles to actualize their dreams, otherwise subsumed in the Umbrella Party.
Then came last Friday, 31st of May 2024 during the Memorial Mass in honour of the 13th Asagba of Asaba, HRM Prof Joseph Chike Edozien.
The gathering attracted dignitaries from all walks of life including the politicians.
You will ask why politicians? Was the Asaba Royal Monarch a politician. Certainly, no but he welded strong influence hence politicians flocked his Palace when alive for royal blessings to leverage.
Delta political godfather, although partially dislodged by the immediate past governor of the State, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa as a result of his (Okowa) resolve and undeterred stand in installing a successor, unarguably, is Ibori, the political chess master.
Okowa went down in history as one who dethroned his master by using the power of incumbency and stomach infrastructure philosophy to break the jinx, thus bruising the Sheik in the process.
That shocking treatment to the Ogidigborigbo forced some of his die-hard loyalists to dump PDP in anger.
Before I digress let me quickly come back to the subject of discussion, which is the inevitable Asagba’s final farewell that congregated these important political figures, who were once upon a time, were under one UMBRELLA but became enstranged because of sharp political differences and personal preferences, especially after the 2023 guber.
At that Memorial Mass held in honour of the departed Asagba, drama played out. But I am not dwelling on that for now because except there is forensic investigation as to what really transpired during the historic exchange of pleasantries between ex- Governor James Ibori and the incumbent Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, conflicting images emerging tagged ‘Candid Shot’ and ‘Candid Camera’, one might be guilty of “junk journalism” as handed down by one of the Media Aides to the Governor, Olorogun Latimore Oghenesivbe.
Without of rejuiduce, permit me to dub it
Act 1 Scene 1 in Romeo and Juliet by Shakespeare as an introductory scene that establishes the deep-rooted quarrel between the families Montague and Capulet.
Remember?
As I said until there’s a clinical proof about the authenticity of the said ‘Candid Shot’ and ‘Candid Camera’ , let us not get distracted.
Just as well articulated by Ndokwa Reporters in its ‘Editorial: Political Drama or Development Distraction? The Viral Photo Controversy of Governor Oborevwori and Chief Ibori’, published on Sunday.
In the closing paragraph of the Editorial, they wrote thus, “For us at Ndokwa Reporters, any political argument that does not contribute to the socio-economic well-being of our State is a distraction. Let us refocus on what truly matters: the growth and development of Delta State”.
The Townhall concurs totally.
However, what is the take home here: the important thing was that at least the Asagba’s departure ultimately made it possible for Ibori to be at that event knowing fully well that Mr. Governor would equally be attending.
Before that event, the duo were strange bedfellows but with the pleasantries even initiated by Ibori who went to the Governor to exchange greetings was a great feat achieved.
If I were Oborevwori, a senior brother has approached him brushing aside age advantage to accord him that respect as the present helmsman of the State, efforts should then be made to leverage on that and with diplomacy, he can fully win Ibori back.
It doesn’t mean that Ibori is seeking for any appointment or favour but Ibori’s input going forward means a lot, drawing from the fountain of knowledge.
Ibori cannot just be waved aside. Ibori is a colossus with political sagacity that can’t easily be wiped off whether dethroned or not. He creates waves wherever he goes even in the hole he remained relevant.
Ibori can be likened to the old saying “you can’t kill the Beetle”.
For the younger generation, Beetle or call it Tortoise car, although phased out but its ruggedness earned that old generation car that appellation.
Another scene occurred at the venue of the reception – after the Church service that day at Dome Event Centre, Asaba.
There, another political enigma of the Ibori political dynasty, Senator Peter Nwaoboshi surfaced.
And the immediate past governor of the State, Senator Arthur Okowa walked up to where he was seated to exchange pleasantries, while Ibori was watching with rapt attention.
The scene was natural, smiles were infectious and in his usual audacious manner, Nwaoboshi, the stormy petel of Delta politics was like asking Okowa… “Nna, na you bi this?”
Okowa who is presently at loggerhead with Senator Ned Nwoko on Delta North Senate seat come 2027, for him, the occasion provided an outlet for the two estranged political bedfellows under one Umbrella before to unite.
All thanks to the world class Traditional Ruler of Ahaba (Asaba) kingdom who commanded so much respect and massive influence that made it possible for Ibori to accept to be at the same occasion Oborevwori was attending, ditto for Nwaoboshi and Okowa.
Photo caption : Okowa grips Nwaoboshi with effusive smiles to the amazement of Nwaoboshi who seems to be asking “di anyi ngi bu nke?” translated, “My fellow Anioma, is this you that I am actually seeing?”
