TO many onlookers of the melodrama that took place at the celebration of the 60th anniversary of the Midwest referendum involving Governor Godwin Obaseki and his political arch-enemy, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, their newfound political romance is to unite and fight a common enemy.
That common enemy is the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Rt. Hon Philip Shaibu whose media aides were rough-handled by security details attached to the governor.
And this singular incident made the Deputy and his entourage to stage a walk-out from the event. Here is the true story of the behind the scenes acts that culminated in the decision of Oshiomhole to mend fences with Obaseki.
On the eve of the said event, a meeting between the duo was brokered by the Secretary to the Edo State Government Barr. Osarodion Ogie, who has been communicating with Oshiomole in months leading to the open confrontation between the Governor and his deputy.
The venue of the meeting was the residence of Ogie, which is just two blocks away from the private residence of the Deputy Governor. A source who witnessed the arrival of Oshiomhole at the venue of the meeting, but preferred anonymity, said the Governor came in about twenty minutes after Oshiomhole arrived.
The meeting lasted for over two hours and the first to leave was Senator Oshiomhole, who was seen smiling as he entered the dark coloured SUV that he came in. Part of the deal was for Oshiomhole to support the move by Obaseki to remove the Deputy Governor of Edo State from office.
In return, the Governor made a commitment of paying Oshiomhole his withheld pension arrears as a former governor and something additional to mobilize the 8 APC lawmakers in the House of Assembly.
It was at that meeting Oshiomhole agreed to speak at the Midwest event the following day; in a most eulogising manner as he promised, Trojan News Media can report authoritatively.
In return, the governor promised to give the Deputy Governor the embarrassment of his life, if he came for the event. As they say, the rest is now history.