The Height Of Gaucheness: Reproving Oshiomhole’s Dictum On Betsy Obaseki’s Childlessness, by Isaac Asabor

In the realm of political discourse, certain boundaries should never be crossed, regardless of the intensity of competition or the stakes involved. Recently, Adams Oshiomhole, a prominent figure in Nigerian politics and a former governor of Edo State, breached one of these boundaries by making a deeply personal and insensitive comment about Betsy Obaseki, the wife of the current Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki. Oshiomhole’s remark about Betsy Obaseki’s childlessness is not only inappropriate but also reflective of a troubling trend in Edo politics, where personal attacks are increasingly being used as weapons.

Unfortunately, this is not the first time such a distasteful tactic has been employed in Edo State’s political arena. Tony Adun, popularly known as Tony Kabaka, in September 2020 also made a similar insensitive remark about Betsy Obaseki’s childlessness. This pattern of targeting individuals’ personal lives in political discourse is deeply concerning and must be condemned in the strongest terms. It is high time this nonsense stopped in Edo politics.

The personal pain and emotional turmoil associated with childlessness; whether by choice or circumstance, are profound and private matters that should never be exploited for political gain. By making such remarks, both Oshiomhole and Kabaka have shown a lack of respect and empathy, dragging the political discourse in Edo State to an unacceptable low. Childlessness is a sensitive issue that should be treated with the utmost respect, not used as a tool for political mudslinging.

At this juncture, permit this writer to buttress the inspiration behind this article by opining that it is only God who gives children, and not man. In fact, the belief that children are a gift from God is deeply rooted in scripture and resonates through many passages in the Bible. Psalm 127:3 states, “Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.” This verse emphasizes that children are not merely the result of human efforts or desires but are bestowed by God’s grace and love. They are described as a heritage and a reward, reflecting the divine blessing and favor that comes with the gift of new life.

In Genesis 21:1-2, the story of Sarah and Abraham highlights this truth. Despite their advanced age and years of barrenness, God fulfilled His promise to them, and Sarah gave birth to Isaac. This miraculous event serves as a powerful reminder that, ultimately, it is God’s will and power that brings forth life. Similarly, Hannah’s story in 1 Samuel 1:19-20 demonstrates the same principle. After years of childlessness and fervent prayer, God remembered Hannah, and she conceived and gave birth to Samuel, acknowledging that it was the Lord who granted her request.

These examples affirm that while human actions play a role in procreation, it is only God who has the sovereign power to create life. Thus, the arrival of a child is always a cause for gratitude and reverence, as it reflects God’s generous and life-giving nature.

Furthermore, the comments that Obaseki’s wife, Betsy, is childless underscore a broader societal issue in Nigeria, where women are often unfairly judged and stigmatized based on their ability to bear children. This outdated and harmful mindset reduces women to their reproductive capabilities, ignoring their numerous other contributions to society. Such views should have no place in a modern, progressive society like Nigeria, and it is incumbent upon our leaders to set a higher standard in their rhetoric and actions.

In fact, in a democratic society, political disagreements and rivalries are to be expected, but these should be based on policies, governance, and the issues that genuinely affect the lives of the people. Resorting to personal attacks, especially on such deeply personal matters, distracts from the real issues at hand and undermines the quality of political debate. Edo State deserves better from its leaders.

The repeated use of personal and derogatory remarks in Edo politics should serve as a wake-up call. It is a dangerous trend that threatens to erode the civility and respect that should underpin our political processes. Edo politics should be about ideas, vision, and service to the people, not about dragging opponents down through personal insults and insensitive comments.

In fact, the outcry that has followed Oshiomhole’s and Kabaka’s remarks is a positive sign that the people of Edo State are unwilling to tolerate such behavior. It is a call to action for all political figures in the state to elevate their discourse and focus on the issues that truly matter to the people, such as economic development, healthcare, education, and security. The politics of personal destruction must end.

As Nigerians, and particularly as Edolites, we must demand more from our leaders. We must insist on a political environment where respect, decency, and a focus on substantive issues take precedence over personal attacks. The dignity of every individual, especially women, must be upheld, and our leaders should lead by example in this regard.

Be that as it may, the insensitive remarks made by Adams Oshiomhole about Betsy Obaseki’s childlessness are unacceptable and must be condemned. It is time for Edo politics to rise above such pettiness and focus on the issues that truly matter to the people. Let us demand a political discourse that is driven by respect, empathy, and a commitment to improving the lives of all Edolites. The nonsense of personal attacks has no place in our politics, and it is time for it to stop.