Hendrix Oliomogbe
Edo State Deputy Governor, Comrade Philip Shaibu Friday described the Esogban of Benin Kingdom, Chief David Edebiri as a father figure who played a critical role in his political odyssey.
Comrade Shaibu who spoke during a condolence visit to the Esogbans in Benin likened the relationship between him and the high chief as that of father and son.
Born on September 2, 1929, Chief Edebiri joined his ancestors Thursday at the ripe age of 93 in the Edo State capital, 44 days shy of his 94th birthday.
Getting emotional, the deputy governor recalled that his relationship with the Benin high chief who was fondly called "the oracle has spoken" dated way back to 2003 when he first contested for a seat in his native Etsako West Constituency 2 to the State House of Assembly on the platform of the defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP)..
He said: "Esogban was a father whom I had identified with before my election into Edo State House of Assembly. That is two decades ago in 2003 when I contested for a seat to the Edo State House of Assembly."
The deputy governor remarked that the top Benin chief personally came to his constituency and joined his campaign stumps, reiterating sadly that even though he won the election, he was robbed of victory after he was originally declared winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Comrade Shaibu said that he had resolved to challenge the result at the tribunal, but Chief Edebiri advised him as a son to withdraw the case on the ground that the show was a "baptism of fire" for the then young and upcoming politician.
He added: "He prayed for me, encouraged me and assured me of victory if I contest again. I listened and withdrew the case. In 2007, l contested again and true to his prayers and prediction, l won the election."
Comrade Shaibu continued: "Beyond politics, I am a son of the house. The family will attest to the fact that I always sneak into this house to see daddy. I encourage those he left behind to keep his virtues and sustain them. I have lost a mentor and a political father."
Again, the deputy governor disclosed that during the run up to the 2007 polls, the Esogban advised him to run for the House of Assembly seat when he visited the high chief in company of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole who was gunning for the ticket of the Action Congress (AC).
He said: "We visited daddy and he asked if I was not going to contest for the House of Assembly election. I told him no, that I was just going to support Comrade in his aspiration. Daddy objected and told me to go and contest, adding that Comrade contesting for governorship has nothing to do with me becoming a member of the House of Assembly. He said that he would need the support of House members if he won. I eventually contested and won. Today, the rest, as they say is history."
One of the sons of the Esogban, Mr. Kelvin Edebiri, who spoke on behalf of the bereaved family, noted that he was conversant with Comrade Shaibu's regular visits to the Esogban and the amity between them.
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