Oshiomhole’s comment on Obaseki’s wife sparks outrage, criticism

Outrage has erupted following a controversial remark made by Senator Adams Oshiomhole, representing Edo North, about Betsy Obaseki, the wife of Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki.

Oshiomhole, a former governor of Edo State, stated that Betsy “has no child,” a comment that has been widely condemned.

The incident occurred on Thursday during the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) governorship campaign rally in Ubiaja, where Betsy Obaseki introduced Ifeyinwa Ighodalo, the wife of PDP governorship candidate Asue Ighodalo.

In her speech, Betsy highlighted that Ighodalo was the only candidate in the upcoming September 21 election with a wife, suggesting that having a spouse should be a factor in voters’ decisions as it could translate to women’s empowerment.

Reacting to this, Oshiomhole expressed shock and took a personal jab at Betsy and her husband during an interview with journalists.

“I was shocked yesterday to see Mrs. Obaseki, the first lady, saying our candidate has no wife. I’m sorry she had to say that because here is a woman who has no child. Between her and Obaseki, they are childless. They are not even ready to adopt,” Oshiomhole said.

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He further contrasted their situation with that of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Monday Okpebholo, whom he noted has children and has invested in their education.

Oshiomhole’s remarks have sparked significant backlash on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), where many users criticized the senator for making such a personal and insensitive comment.

Some described his statement as “below the belt” and “gutter politics,” while others argued that such remarks are unbecoming of an elder statesman.

The incident has underscored the increasingly personal nature of political attacks in the lead-up to the Edo State governorship election.

While some commentators acknowledged that Betsy’s initial remarks may have triggered Oshiomhole’s response, many agreed that his comments crossed a line and called for a higher standard of civility in political discourse.