In Edo State, the Esama of Benin Gabriel Igbinedion, seems to be getting all the attention just as he marked his 90th birthday in a grand style.
The billionaire hosted a delegate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke and a host of others over the weekend in Benin.
In the same vein, while celebrating him on his birthday, a former governor of Edo State Adams Oshiomhole publicly asked the Esama of Benin to forgive him for whatever wrong he did while he was governor.
Oshiomhole asked for forgiveness while delivering a goodwill message at the banquet celebrating Igbinedion’s 90th birthday on Saturday in Benin.
“I want to publicly acknowledge your support for me in 2007 and 2008, without which I might never have become the governor of Edo State,” he said.
Oshiomhole, a former national chairman of the All Progressives Congress, also expressed gratitude for the advice and guidance Igbinedion provided over the years.
“As a Catholic, I want to confess that I might have done some things I shouldn’t have done as governor.
“At 90, it is only right that I ask for your forgiveness for any of my actions that may have irritated you,” he added.
Oshiomhole compared Igbinedion’s vast influence and large number of supporters to a parent with many children, some of whom inevitably cause frustration.
He said, “That is the challenge of having too many children; you have tall ones, short ones, big ones, and small ones.
“And the small one turns out to be one of those that caused you to harm.”
He continued, “I have always looked for one opportunity to say to the Esama of the universe that I am sorry for any of the things that I said knowingly or unknowingly or any of the things that I did that a son should never have done to a father.
“On your 90th birthday, I ask for your forgiveness, and I pray that you grant it.”
Reflecting on parenthood, he said, “The only way to avoid children doing things you don’t like is not to have any.
“But with as many children as God has blessed you with, some are bound to irritate you.
“Even me that have six children, sometimes I wonder why they do the things that I do not approve of.
“Having said that, I believe that you have forgiven me and I feel now able to reunite and hug my brother, Lucky Igbinedion.”
This comes ahead of the governorship election in Edo next Saturday.