The fire we lit: Lessons from the escalating war of words in Edo-South APC -- By Benin Youth Renaissance

 

There is a Benin proverb that says, "When a man throws a stone into the market, he cannot determine whose head it will eventually hit.”

Politics, especially during primaries, is naturally emotional and competitive, but history has repeatedly shown that when people deliberately lower the tone of public discourse, they rarely retain control over how ugly things eventually become.

I just watched the latest video by Egogo, Nominddem, and Apostle Kassy, where they went after Osagie Ize-Iyamu with very harsh and deeply personal attacks. Quite frankly, some of the comments and allegations were excessive and unnecessary, especially the extension of the attacks toward his wife, the CMD of UBTH.

However, while those attacks are condemnable, they also sadly reflect the consequence of a political atmosphere that has been allowed to deteriorate unchecked for weeks.

For some time now, supporters of Pastor Ize-Iyamu, driven largely by the belief that the governor was allegedly giving preferential support to Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama, have launched sustained attacks against the governor and against Ogbeide-Ihama himself. The attacks became increasingly personal, provocative, and disrespectful. At the time, many people appealed for caution and restraint. Several voices specifically advised Pastor Ize-Iyamu to call his supporters to order before matters escalated beyond control.

Unfortunately, those warnings appeared ignored.

What we are now witnessing is largely a backlash from supporters of the governor who feel compelled to defend their principal against repeated insults and accusations. In the process of defending the governor, many of them have naturally aligned themselves politically with Ogbeide-Ihama as the perceived alternative to Pastor Ize-Iyamu in the contest.

That distinction is important.

The recent attacks against Pastor Ize-Iyamu have not necessarily come from Ogbeide-Ihama’s core supporters acting independently. Rather, they have mostly come from supporters of the governor who believe the governor has been unfairly maligned and disrespected by sections of Pastor Ize-Iyamu’s support base.

Again, that does not justify some of the extreme personal attacks now being made. Respect should never completely disappear from politics. But it does explain how the political atmosphere degenerated to this point. This is exactly why aspirants must control their supporters.

One important truth is that much of the toxicity flying around on social media from both sides may not even reflect the actual disposition or intentions of the aspirants themselves. Often, supporters become more emotional and combative than the principals they claim to defend. But that reality imposes an even greater responsibility on political leaders to caution their followers regularly and discourage reckless conduct.

Because once insults become normalized, retaliation becomes inevitable; And once retaliation begins, nobody can truly control where it stops.

If supporters of Pastor Ize-Iyamu had been firmly restrained earlier when appeals were first made, perhaps this unfortunate level of backlash against his own reputation would never have arisen.

This is also unfortunate because both men involved in this contest are respected Benin sons with proven political standing.

Rt. Hon. Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama has a verifiable legislative record from his years in the House of Representatives. His performance and grassroots connection earned him reelection, making him the first representative from Oredo Federal Constituency to secure a second tenure in the House — a significant political achievement.

Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, on the other hand, has paid enormous political dues over the years and has contributed immensely to the growth and stability of the APC in Edo State. He remains one of the most experienced political figures in Edo politics and deserves recognition for his years of commitment and service.

That is why the conversation around this primary should never have descended into insults and character assassination.

The real debate should be about competence, legislative effectiveness, political experience, grassroots appeal, electability, and who can best deliver quality representation for Edo South Senatorial District.

Unfortunately, sections of the discourse have instead focused on simplistic propaganda surrounding who is backing who. The repeated attempt to portray Ogbeide-Ihama as some kind of “lackey” or “lap-dog” because of perceived political support is weak, unfair, and frankly hypocritical.

Seeking support and leveraging relationships is not a crime in politics. Both aspirants have done so in different ways.

It is on record that Pastor Ize-Iyamu himself reportedly leveraged relationships and influence, including the involvement of Daddy Enoch Adeboye, in pursuit of political support and advantage. If one aspirant can legitimately deploy influence and relationships, it is unfair to demonize another for doing the same.

Politics everywhere operates through networks, persuasion, goodwill, and alliances.

The governor, Monday Okpebholo, must also be treated fairly in all of this. The persistent accusations that he is anti–Edo South or bent on imposing a candidate are both unfair and dishonest considering the efforts he has made for the district and the state generally since assuming office.

He has consistently demonstrated openness, consultation, engagement, and willingness to carry stakeholders along. He deserves respect both as an individual and as governor.

Naturally, if his supporters feel obligated to defend him against repeated attacks and insults, that reaction should not surprise anybody.

At the end of the day, this primary election will eventually pass. But the APC will remain. Edo South will still need unity and cohesion afterward. Relationships built over decades should not be destroyed because of temporary political contests.

Supporters must remember that after all the noise and tension, these aspirants may still sit together, work together, and pursue common political interests together.

Why then should followers destroy relationships their leaders themselves may never want destroyed?This is the time for restraint, caution, and maturity. Because once a fire is carelessly lit in the marketplace, nobody can truly predict how far it will spread.

Benin Youth Renaissance