Obaseki, the man who has done what many thought was impossible

One of the most talked-about governors in Nigeria over the past few years is Godwin Obaseki, the current governor of Edo State. He has been in the news for all sorts of reasons but is perhaps most famous for his political battles with his predecessor, the infamous Adams Oshiomhole.

Obaseki is a man of humble beginnings, born in Benin City, Edo State, in 1957. He attended primary and secondary school in Benin City before proceeding to the University of Ibadan, where he studied economics. After graduating, he worked in the banking sector for over two decades before venturing into politics.

Obaseki's entry into politics was somewhat accidental. In the run-up to the 2016 Edo State governorship election, he had been approached by several political parties to run for office but was initially reluctant. However, he later decided to run on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and won the election.

As governor, Obaseki has made a name for himself as a reformer. He has introduced several policies aimed at improving the lives of Edo people, including a ban on illegal roadblocks and a crackdown on drug trafficking, among many others.

However, Obaseki's tenure as governor has not been without its challenges. He has had a long-running feud with his predecessor, Adams Oshiomhole, who has accused him of being incompetent and lacking vision.

In 2020, the feud between Obaseki and Oshiomhole came to a head when the APC disqualified Obaseki from contesting in the party's governorship primaries. He subsequently defected to the People's Democratic Party (PDP) and won the governorship election for a second term.

Obaseki is a complex and controversial figure. His supporters praise him for his reforms and his dedication to the people of Edo State. His critics accuse him of being arrogant and vindictive.

However, there is no doubt that Obaseki is a man who has made a mark on Edo State. He has done what many thought was impossible by defeating the formidable Oshiomhole and has introduced several policies aimed at improving the lives of Edo people.

Only time will tell how Obaseki's legacy will be judged, but there is no doubt that he will be remembered as one of the most significant governors in the history of Edo State.