Senator Adams Oshiomhole, a former governor of Edo State, has defended the appointment of his son, Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole, as the state’s Commissioner for Health.
The senator, who currently represents Edo North in the National Assembly, insisted that Cyril’s qualifications and expertise earned him the position, not his family name.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday, Oshiomhole addressed the widespread criticisms surrounding his son’s selection.
Dr. Cyril was appointed in November by Governor Monday Okphebolo, a close ally of the senator, shortly after the governor assumed office.
The decision has sparked backlash, with critics accusing the governor of favoritism and rewarding Oshiomhole’s support during his election campaign.
Oshiomhole, however, rejected these allegations, emphasizing his son’s credentials.
“He doesn’t work under me; maybe Governor Monday is grooming him,” Oshiomhole remarked.
The senator revealed that he had initially opposed his son’s ambitions to enter politics.
“When I was in Edo, I stopped him when he wanted to go for the House of Representatives,” Oshiomhole stated. “I said no and supported another candidate.”
He explained that his concerns were primarily about public perception, not his son’s capability.
“When I heard about his appointment, I expressed my concerns,” Oshiomhole added. “I called him and told him how people might interpret it. I also spoke to the governor about it.”
The former governor said his stance had been consistent, as he had previously prevented Cyril from running for office during his administration.
“Those were the reasons why I stopped him from contesting elections when I was in office,” Oshiomhole said. “But at some point, you have to accept that your son is an adult.”
Oshiomhole also highlighted his efforts to ensure his children had access to quality education, a privilege he said he lacked while growing up.
“I invested in my children’s education because I didn’t want them to go through what I went through,” he revealed.
He described Cyril as a highly qualified medical professional, with a solid educational background both in Nigeria and abroad.
“Dr. Cyril is not just a medical doctor from ABU (Ahmadu Bello University); he also completed post-graduate studies in two universities in the US, including Harvard and another in Louisiana,” Oshiomhole stated.
The senator stressed that his son’s appointment was not based on favoritism.
“He’s not having it because he is Oshiomhole,” he said. “I will say he’s having it in spite of being Oshiomhole.”
Despite his defense, the controversy over Cyril’s appointment has not subsided.
Critics have labeled the move as an example of “state capture,” arguing that it consolidates power within a select political circle.
Governor Monday Okphebolo, who appointed Cyril, has yet to respond to the accusations.
Observers note that the governor’s close ties to Oshiomhole have fueled speculation that the appointment was politically motivated.
The backlash has also raised questions about the balance between merit and political influence in public appointments.
However, Oshiomhole maintains that Cyril’s qualifications and experience in public health make him an asset to Edo State’s health sector.
“Cyril has expertise in public health,” Oshiomhole noted. “His background speaks for itself.”
The senator concluded by urging critics to focus on Cyril’s performance in the role rather than his family ties.
“Let his work speak for him,” Oshiomhole said. “People can criticize, but the results will show.”