Before now, I was still trying to get used to the old sage who said the “age of Methuselah had nothing to do with Solomon’s wisdom.”
However, let us not try to scripturalise it but go with the local parlance that says “it is not how far but how well.”
This brings us to one personality whose identity was very obscure before now in the political firmament of our state, Edo State, and Nigeria at large, even when he wrote his name in gold in the business world.
Though as a man whose family’s name, “Ighodalo House” has always graced the various school inter-house-sports competitions in Ewohimi in Esan South East LGA where he hails from and other communities around the Community, but nothing was said about the name politically.
But surprisingly, a son of the Ighodalo dynasty, Asue Ighodalo, has taken the world and the Edo State political space like a hurricane that is meant to shatter the shackles of poverty, hunger, unemployment, insecurity, illiteracy and maternal mortality in the state through impactful policies.
Today, Asue Ighodalo has suddenly become the political bride and the most talked about in the communities, towns, and major cities. There is no indication that he is just learning the trade; rather, all indicators point to the fact that he is a master of the game and a game changer, for that matter.
Other political parties and candidates tremble and scamper for safety at the mere mention of Asue Ighodalo, a feat that has registered itself in the state’s political lexicon.
Asue Ighodalo ability to stoop to the level of the down trodden, wines and dines with them, has conquered the so-called political juggernauts who have been in the political terrain since the days of our forefathers and are not willing to let the younger ones breath.
This time around, as it is said in our day-to-day slangs, “them go learn new things” the man of the moment, Asue Ighodalo who is the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), is in the ring to teach those who care to learn a new thing.
However, those who have studied him carefully from a distance have begun to like his personality, the way he does things and relates with others.
These personality traits have compelled ardent supporters of other political parties to abandon their parties and join him in his quest to rescue Edo.
In the last nine months, Asue Ighodalo has made significant political strides in Edo State, particularly since winning the PDP gubernatorial ticket in February.
Known for his strategic approach and grassroots engagement, Ighodalo has successfully campaigned across all 18 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Edo State.
Ighodalo’s entrance into the political arena of Edo State has been transformative. Despite being relatively new to active politics, his impact has been profound, creating a narrative that suggests he has been a key player since the advent of Nigeria’s democracy 25 years ago.
Since securing the PDP gubernatorial ticket, Ighodalo has focused on building a cohesive campaign that emphasizes unity and progress. He has been instrumental in promoting the PDP’s vision for Edo State, advocating for policies that aim to improve infrastructure, education, and healthcare. His ability to bring together diverse groups and foster collaboration has been a key factor in his rising popularity.
Come to think of it, who is this Asue Ighodalo that is now a nightmare to his political opponents? He was the chairman of Sterling Bank, a director at the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), and chairman of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) and seasoned Lawyer.
Everyone knows that what the citizens of the state now think and dream about is their darling Asue Ighodalo who they are so willing to vote for and thereafter defend it until he is being declared the winner and sworn in by November 12, 2024, by the Grace of God.
The good people of Edo State cannot wait to experience the dawning of the Ighodalo era, which they believe will be wrapped in blissful experiences.
Dcn Darlington Okpebholo Ray is the Lead Spokesman Team Asue Media Organisation (TAMO)
Director of Media
Directorate of Diaspora Media, PDP Asue/Ogie Campaign Management Council
