“Consistency is the true foundation of trust. Either keep your promises or do not make them.”
―
In the annals of political history, amidst the chaos and cacophony of broken promises and unfulfilled aspirations, a rare gem emerges – Governor Godwin Obaseki, the promise keeper.
His journey is not just one of political manoeuvring or administrative triumphs; it is a testament to integrity, equity, and fairness, particularly in his unwavering support for the quest for an Esan Governor in Edo Central. Reflect on 2020, when Governor Obaseki traversed the five local government areas of Esan Land, making a solemn pledge to the people.
He promised not just words but actions – to ensure that Esan would secure the PDP ticket and that an Esan son would ascend to the governorship of Edo state. Scepticism hung in the air like a heavy fog; many doubted the feasibility of such a feat in the labyrinth of political nonsense. Yet, Obaseki stayed resolute and stood firm, undeterred by the naysayers.
Just before the 2020 elections, In the crucible of political strife, Obaseki faced his trials. Denied his party’s ticket, he stood at the precipice of uncertainty. But amidst the storm, the unwavering support of the Esan Nation remained steadfastly behind him and ensured he emerged governor again.
The contemporary Esan Nation backed the illustrious Edo South son, taking him for his word, and Obaseki delivered true to his word. Indeed, Governor Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki deserves a place in the annals of leadership and political history, his methodology ripe for study in institutions like the Institute for Democratic Studies and Harvard University.
With quiet determination and strategic finesse, he navigated the labyrinth of politics, pulling strings from the back end yet never breaking a rule. But words alone do not suffice; actions speak louder. Obaseki promised development in Esan Land, a region long deprived under previous administrations. And he delivered.
From the construction of vital roads like the Udumu-Iyasele Road, Ewoato, Ohudua/Emu Bridge, Eowhimi, Ujogba-Ogwa Road, Udumebo-Uhumudumu Royal Market Road, and Ekpoma-Iruekpen Road et al., to the rehabilitation of some schools and the establishment of basic amenities, his impact reverberates across the landscape of Esan Land. The promise keeper did not confine his vision to mere infrastructure; he ushered in a new era of administrative excellence.
As we stand today, we witness the tangible fruits of his labour, visible in the myriad projects dotting the landscape of Esan Land. Governor Obaseki’s commitment to Edo Central transcends mere political expediency. Despite pressures from various quarters, he remained steadfast in ensuring equity and fairness in power distribution. For too long, the seat of power seemed like an elusive dream for Edo Central, as democratic rule oscillated between Edo North and Edo South.
But Obaseki, the promise keeper, shattered those barriers, opening the door for Esan leadership. In light of his unwavering dedication and commitment to the development of Edo State and particularly his special in the political advancement of Edo central, I appeal to the whole Onojies in all the kingdoms of Esanland to unanimously confer upon Governor Obaseki the traditional chieftaincy title of “The Adolor of Esan Land” – the repairer of Esan Land.
It is a fitting tribute to a leader who has not just promised but delivered, whose actions have breathed new life into the heart of Esan Land. As we bask in the euphoria of Esan securing the gubernatorial ticket of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in the state and continue to appreciate Governor Godwin Obaseki, let us not only praise his deeds but also emulate his ethos – integrity, as well as his principles of Justice, inclusiveness, equity, and fairness.
His legacy lies as a blueprint for leadership, a testament to the power of keeping one’s word in a world fraught with broken promises and paying evil with good deeds.
Obaseki, the promise keeper, has shown us the way forward, lighting the path to a brighter, more equitable future for all.
I will not conclude this piece without a quote from one of “America’s top 100 Thought Leaders” and one of “America’s most influential Small Business Experts, “Greatness isn’t determined by the number of promises that you make, but by the ones that you keep.”
Deacon Darlington Okpebholo Ray is the CEO of Truth Live Media Communications LTD, Publishers of Truth Live News, a Chieftain of the PDP, and a media consultant who writes from Greenwich, London SE, United Kingdom.