Former Governor of Edo State and current Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, is a name that resonates deeply in Nigerian politics. Known for his charisma and controversial approach to leadership, Oshiomhole has built a political career that contrasts sharply with the humble beginnings he experienced as a child. While his public image is that of a man who rose from humble roots to lead, stories from his past suggest a more complicated narrative, one marked by allegations of theft, manipulation, and unethical behaviour.
Oshiomhole’s formative years in Iyamo, Edo State, were marked by deep poverty, not just relative hardship. His family’s struggles forced him into questionable activities at a young age. Oshiomhole, according to locals, turned to theft, including the notorious theft of bushmeat. This was not simply hunting, as some might believe; instead, Oshiomhole broke into storage places to steal bushmeat, which he would resell.
Theft allegations eventually caught up with him. After it was known that he was the culprit, and with retribution looming, Oshiomhole fled the village. His escape, much like his later political moves, was calculated. He jumped on a night bus, hoping to avoid arrest in the morning. This marked the beginning of his journey away from Iyamo, heading toward the northern city of Kaduna.
In Kaduna, Oshiomhole found refuge with a local catechist and his family. One of the catechist’s sons, Shaibu, recalls him as “a slippery character with a silver tongue.” Oshiomhole began working in the textile industry, where he quickly became involved with the workers’ union. However, his reputation for questionable dealings followed him.
Former colleagues from this period accuse Oshiomhole of using his leadership position within the union to shield criminals. They alleged that he allowed certain members of the union to engage in organized theft of spare parts from the factories, which were then sold on the black market. Oshiomhole’s influence within the union allowed him to protect these individuals from facing legal consequences, thus creating an environment where industrial theft became normalized.
Oshiomhole’s rise in the textile workers’ union was swift, but it was not without controversy. He was known for bending rules and crossing ethical lines to maintain control. A former union leader, who spoke about him, said, “Oshiomhole wasn’t afraid to manipulate the system to his advantage. He knew how to play both sides and win.”
As Oshiomhole gained influence, his ambitions grew. Eventually, he transitioned from labour union politics to the Nigerian political stage, becoming Governor of Edo State in 2008. But even as he ascended to higher office, whispers about his past continued to circulate. His critics argue that Oshiomhole’s history of using organizations meant to protect the vulnerable as shields for his gain followed him into the governor’s office.
As governor, Oshiomhole launched several development projects and publicly took a hardline stance against corruption. However, insiders argue that his administration was marked by the same corrupt practices that allegedly defined his earlier life. Allegations of embezzlement, kickbacks, and the misappropriation of public funds plagued his time in office, although no legal action was ever taken against him.
A former aide, who worked closely with Oshiomhole during his tenure as governor, said, “Oshiomhole has perfected the art of appearing clean while keeping his hands dirty. He knows how to distance himself from scandals while still pulling the strings behind the scenes.”
Oshiomhole’s ability to mask his true intentions has earned him the nickname “the chameleon” among some political circles. Despite his numerous controversies, he has continued to rise within Nigeria’s political landscape, now serving as a senator. However, his critics argue that his legacy will ultimately be defined by his past…by the theft, deceit, and manipulation that have marked every stage of his life.
As one political commentator stated, “You can wear a crown, but if your head is rotten, the crown won’t sit right.” For many, Oshiomhole’s political success is overshadowed by his tainted past. His story raises an important question: Can a man truly reform himself, or is his legacy forever tied to his actions?
Oshiomhole’s critics believe that his rise to power has not changed him. They argue that the same man who once fled Iyamo to avoid punishment for theft is now fleeing from the consequences of his political actions. Despite the wealth and power he has amassed, they predict that his reputation will ultimately be his undoing. In the words of an old African proverb: “A thief may grow rich, but his riches will carry him away.”
Izehinosen, a former student union leader, writes from Kaduna.
Author credits goes to Darlington Izehinosen
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