In a recent tribute to the late Chief Anthony Anenih, Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State revealed that the decision to grant Anenih a state funeral had caused a deep rift between himself and former Governor Adams Oshiomhole.
The event was part of a visit by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, to pay homage to the memory of the late political leader.
The tribute took place at Anenih’s graveside in Uromi, Esan North-East Local Government Area, during a PDP rally.
Chief Anthony Anenih, widely regarded as a political heavyweight in Edo State and Nigeria as a whole, played a significant role in shaping the nation’s political landscape.
As one of the founding fathers of the PDP, his influence was far-reaching, and he earned the nickname “Mr. Fix It” for his ability to resolve political conflicts and build alliances.
Dr. Asue Ighodalo, the PDP’s governorship candidate for Edo State in the upcoming election, led a delegation to Anenih’s graveside to pay their respects.
He was accompanied by Governor Obaseki, his running mate, Barr. Osarodion Ogie, and other senior PDP officials, including State Chairman Anthony Aziegbemin and Director General of the Asue/Ogie Campaign Organisation, Hon. Matthew Iduoriyekemwen.
The solemn ceremony was led by Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, the younger brother of Dr. Ighodalo, who offered prayers for the repose of Chief Anenih’s soul and comfort for his family.
The gesture underscored Anenih’s enduring legacy in Edo politics, as his contributions continue to be remembered by both his family and the PDP leadership.
Following the tribute, Governor Obaseki took the opportunity to reflect on Chief Anenih’s life and leadership, praising his dedication to public service and discipline.
He encouraged politicians to learn from Anenih’s example, particularly his selflessness and commitment to his community and party.
In his remarks, Obaseki revealed that the decision to honor Anenih with a state funeral in 2018 became a point of contention between him and former Governor Adams Oshiomhole, who had been his political ally.
According to Obaseki, Oshiomhole disagreed with the state’s decision to provide a funeral for Anenih, a move that Obaseki felt was necessary given the late leader’s status and contributions to both Edo State and Nigeria.
“The decision to give Chief Anenih a state funeral was about paying respect to a man who had given so much to his state and country,” Obaseki said.
“Unfortunately, this decision marked the beginning of the issues between Oshiomhole and me.”
Obaseki and Oshiomhole, once close allies in the APC, have been locked in a political feud in recent years.
Their disagreements intensified leading up to the 2020 gubernatorial elections, when Obaseki left the APC to join the PDP and secured re-election as governor under the PDP banner.
Obaseki’s revelation about the Anenih funeral adds another dimension to the longstanding tensions between the two politicians.
At the graveside, Dr. Asue Ighodalo spoke about the deep respect he has for Chief Anenih and the positive impact the late leader had on the lives of many Edo residents.
“Everywhere I have gone, people speak of the positive impact Chief Anenih had on their lives,” Ighodalo said.
He expressed his gratitude to the Anenih family for welcoming him and pledged to carry on Anenih’s legacy of service and leadership if elected governor.
The visit to Anenih’s graveside holds significant symbolic value, as it signals Ighodalo’s alignment with the values that Anenih embodied, including discipline, integrity, and public service.
With the gubernatorial elections scheduled for September 21st, Ighodalo’s tribute to Anenih reinforces his commitment to the ideals of the PDP and positions him as a leader eager to build on the foundation laid by political figures like Anenih.
Ose Anenih, representing the Anenih family, expressed deep gratitude for the visit and the honor shown to their late father.
He used the occasion to endorse Dr. Ighodalo as the family’s preferred candidate for the governorship election.
According to Ose, the late Chief Anenih’s followers and loyalists have all thrown their support behind Ighodalo.
In a pointed message to the opposition, Ose stated, “With all the suffering and hardship people are going through, we believe Edo people will send a clear message on September 21st—there is no vacancy for the APC in Osadebe House.”
