Osagie Ize-Iyamu: Two Times Unlucky

For Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, service to his people is an extension to his apostolic callings. He has strived on two occasions, albeit unsuccessful, to govern Edo state.

A former commissioner, SSG and chief of staff, Ize-Iyamu, is not a pushover in Edo politics. But one snark about Ize-Iyamu the strongman of Orhriohwon local government in Edo South senatorial District is his inability to seize the momentum.

As of the last count, he has transversed between the two major political parties in Edo state: The Peoples Democratic Party and the All Progressives Congress. In 2016, he was the flag bearer of the PDP but lost to Governor Godwin Obaseki. In 2020, Pastor Ize-Iyamu was the most beautiful bride of Comrade Adams Oshiohmole to beat Obaseki. Oshiohmole, who was still licking his wounds, had lost the state to the opposition PDP drafted Ize-Iyamu to help retrieve the mandate from Obaseki. Again, Ize-Iyamu failed spectacularly as the margin was very wide.

Now, Oshiohmole seems to be through with Ize-Iyamu. He is with a youthful Dennis Idahosa because Ize-Iyamu no longer fits the bill. But the resilience in Ize-Iyamu would not dampen his morale as he has vowed to continue with his gubernatorial ambition without the support of Oshiohmole, the godfather.

Ize-Iyamu has other eleven aspirants to contend with in the 182 wards of the 18 local government councils. Unfortunately, both this will count, even the zoning arrangements do not favour him.

The Hope Uzodinma led committee has a huge tasks to ensure that the Saturday’s primary end well.