Facts have emerged as to why Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State is not backing the governorship aspiration of his deputy, Dr Pius Odubu.

A report this morning in Sunday Vanguard said the main reason is Oshiomhole’s belief that Odubu has hatched a plot to kill him so as to take over his governorship seat. The report said Oshiomhole made the allegation public on Monday April 11, 2016 during a peace meeting led by the state Commissioner for Works, Osarodion Ogie.

According to the report, “Tension in the room heightened when Oshiomhole started responding to the allegations against him by Odubu that he did not attend his wife’s birthday and that the governor had treated him recently like a leper. Sunday Vanguard gathered that the governor declared to the leaders that he had deliberately avoided attending events at his deputy’s house after it was revealed to him that his deputy allegedly contracted native doctors to hurt him so that Odubu will take over as governor.

“Oshiomhole said he was informed of the alleged plan by a leader of the party and that he had met with the native doctors whom his deputy allegedly contracted to do the damage, adding that the native doctors admitted and gave him details of how the rituals were executed. Oshiomhole added that the party leader who leaked the information, who was out of the country, was ready to confront the deputy with the details of his alleged meeting with the witch doctors. He further stated that he could not have attended any ceremony at Odubu’s place, saying he would not want to be poisoned.

“The governor’s disclosure was said to have come as a surprise to the APC leaders but it equally elicited strong rebuttal from his deputy who attributed what he described as the spurious allegation to the handiwork of his political enemies. To buttress his innocence, Odubu volunteered to contact a strong traditional doctor in Benin, so that those who accused him will come and take an oath before the gods. He vehemently denied the allegation and reiterated his loyalty to the governor.

“But some of the party leaders at the meeting were said to have countered Odubu with his suggestion, informing him that he should have suggested swearing with the Bible since he is a Catholic. But Odubu thundered that he was shocked with the allegation and would like to clear his name with whatever that will convince everyone. Some of the party leaders at the meeting admonished Odubu to end his governorship ambition.”

The report gave the names of others at the peace meeting as the state Chairman of the APC, Anslem Ojezue; state Secretary, Chief Osaro Idah; Oshiomhole’s in-law, Victor Eboigbe, and Chief of Staff to the Governor, Patrick Obahiagbon.

•Photo shows Oshiomhole and Odubu at public function.

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