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[OPINION] The Gaffe And The Uproar: Okpebholo In The Public Eye

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By Tony Abolo

It was widely circulated. The statement by Senator Monday Okpebholo at the welcoming of Hon. Marcus Onobun back into the APC in Uromi about a week plus ago. Sadly the statement that he escalated loud himself on Peter Obi got more traction than the event itself. And the reason is simple. It was an unnecessary bile against Peter Obi who had come to make a philanthropic gesture at St. Philomena Hospital, gifting their School of Nursing, in his characteristic manner, nationwide.

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Only Senator Okpebholo can tell his intentions in stating that “if H.E Obi came to town, to Edo State without his permission informing him prior, then came the clIncher- “anything wen he see, let him take it”.”There is a new Sheriff in town” One can only surmise Okpebholo’s intentions. Wanting to placate his Supreme Court award of Governorship through the kind courtesy of, well, you know who. He wants to please Tinubu in anyway he can. This must be one of them. Ensure, the Obedients do not pose any build up inside Edo State as a form of opposition to Tinubu’s ambition in 2027. But was it necessary as at this time? By the fact of freedom of movement, any Nigerian can be anywhere he or she chooses. Peter Obi was not on a state visit and besides, both being on opposite ends of politics, was it going to be comfortable or necessary for any prior information before Peter Obi comes into town? As a Nigerian, could he not slip into town as he has done when Barrister Osaigbovo Akpata was contesting for the Governorship position under the Labour party? He even traversed Edo State, and there was no problem. So what is special when he comes to do charity in Edo State? Instead of being applauded, Okpebholo thought it mindful to chide Peter Obi.

Too many things come to mind. When H.E Gregory Peter Obi was Governor in Anambra State, where was Okpebholo? That was when he was doing his WEAC in which he passed only maths and flunked five on the papers. Then there is the issue of thoughtfulness. The occasion in Uromi did not warrant the outburst. But even if for security reason, or being solicitous over the safety of Peter Obi, was it not better it was an issue handled diplomatically, through phone calls, person to person conversation or a Governor to a former Governor and a former Presidential Candidate, a position, Okpebholo could and would never attain even if Nigeria came down to a Democratic Republic of the Congo or a run down South Sudan or Yemen.

READ ALSO: [OPINION] PDP: A Prince And A Pastor’s Son (SENT)

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What rankles more is the uncouth and uncivilized language Okpebholo used in issuing his rude remarks about “those wen no get shi shi, where e see N1.5million, N15million to give” or the entirely needless asking Peter Obi to clear with him otherwise “anything wen e see, make e take am”. Where Nigeria’s morality and discipline not so run down, how could a sane country choose a neophyte, a barely literate and a less exposed person, to become a Governor in a state in Nigeria, more so, Edo State with its long tradition of quality and excellence in leadership since 1963. There is a language of dignity and of decorum expected of a personage of a Governor. Okpebholo fell so far below and off the mark.

The situation was made worse when the whole country rose up in utter shock and disbelief at the gaffe of Senator Monday Okpebholo and his media aides offered limp and lame defences, egged on, no doubt by his two enablers, Wike and Oshiomhole, he was still quoted as saying that
P byhe was not sorry for what he said against Obi. The rebuttal only reveals who Edo state has as Governor, a man who neither can act the part, nor has a mind of his own. His enablers and trainers now urged him to sound brave, a courage which ho does not have. To Nigerians, he only stood worsted and a sorry sight. To Edo State, he only brought us lower in National esteem and estimation. It only shows, we must all stand akimbo in shock as more gaffes are coming and we should be less shocked as this is all we have and must endure for another three years and three months. We didn’t bargain for this. Tinubu brought this on us.

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Peter Obi’s Son, Oseloka, Speaks On Gay Allegations

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Oseloka Obi, son of the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, has responded to viral allegations linking him to homosexuality after photographs of him with London-based British-Nigerian Kent Okwesa, circulated online this week.

The pictures, which emerged on Wednesday, showed Oseloka and Okwesa sitting closely at a restaurant in the United Kingdom, sparking a wave of online speculation and gossip.

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In a detailed statement, Oseloka dismissed the rumours as malicious falsehoods driven by his father’s involvement in Nigerian politics.

He noted that while he rarely responds to such narratives, the persistence of gossip and unfounded claims made it necessary to address the matter.

READ ALSO:Jonathan, Obi Can’t Match APC’s Strength For 2027 – Mustapha Salihu

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Because of my father’s involvement in Nigerian politics, there has been a persistent curiosity and, at times, malicious obsession with me.

“I have no social media presence and no interest in maintaining one, so I rarely correct these falsehoods. But perhaps it is time I address them,” he wrote.

Oseloka stressed that the photos of him in circulation were being misrepresented, insisting they were ordinary snapshots with friends and colleagues.

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The truth is simple: Peter Obi’s son appears in photos with his friends and colleagues, nothing more. If people wish to invent otherwise, I hope they sleep soundly knowing they are spreading lies,” he added.

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He further emphasised that neither he nor his father is perfect, but attested to his father’s integrity and commitment to Nigeria’s future.

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My father has my vote, not because he is my father, but because he is the right man for the job. If others wish to go low, invent scandals, or attack me to wound him, they are free to do so. But we will go high, and we will continue to focus on the future of Nigeria.”

Concluding, Oseloka urged Nigerians to redirect their attention from idle gossip to the pressing socio-economic challenges facing the country.

Read the full statement below:

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FULL LIST: PenCom Bars Seven Mortgage Banks From Processing Housing Loans

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The National Pension Commission (PenCom) has barred seven Primary Mortgage Banks (PMBs) from processing applications under the pension-backed equity contribution scheme for residential mortgages, citing their non-compliance with housing loan guidelines.

In a letter published on PenCom’s website, addressed to Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) and Pension Fund Custodians (PFCs), the organisation instructed them to immediately stop accepting or processing equity contribution applications submitted through the affected institutions.

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The blacklisted mortgage banks are:

READ ALSO:Varsity Bars Edo IDPs From Exams Over Non-payment Of Fees

• Jigawa Savings & Loans Limited

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• FHA Mortgage Bank Limited

• Delta Trust Mortgage Bank Limited

• AG Mortgage Bank Limited

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• Infinity Trust Mortgage Bank Pic

• First Trust Mortgage Bank Limited

• Mutual Alliance Mortgage Bank Limited

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Following the cited letter, the commission instructs that PFAs, including Closed Pension Fund Administrators and Pension Fund Custodians, immediately stop accepting or processing equity contribution applications submitted by the following Primary Mortgage Banks… Please be guided,” the circular read in part.

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Explaining the decision, PenCom’s spokesman, Ibrahim Buwai, told The PUNCH that the sanction was imposed because the affected institutions failed to generate the mortgages for which funds had been approved.

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The whole purpose of giving access to RSA holders is to enable them to own houses through mortgages,” he said. “It was discovered that some of the primary mortgage institutions were not generating mortgages. If that is the case, it means they are not complying with the regulations. That is the reason for their blacklisting.”

PenCom introduced the equity contribution for residential mortgages in September 2022, allowing Retirement Savings Account (RSA) holders to withdraw up to 25 per cent of their balances to fund equity contributions for home ownership.

According to the commission, 24,582 RSA holders had accessed the scheme as of the first quarter of 2025, with disbursements totalling ₦149.84bn.

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RSA holders who submitted applications through the barred mortgage banks are now advised to reapply with other eligible PMBs. Those who have made upfront payments were urged to contact the affected institutions for the next line of action.

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VIDEO: How ‘Close Friend’ Leaked Cat Secret To Security During My House Invasion — Sunday Igboho

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Yoruba Nation agitator, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has opened up again on the July 1, 2021 midnight invasion of his Ibadan residence by security operatives, including the Department of State Services (DSS).

Speaking during a visit to the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III, at his palace in Ondo State, Igboho alleged that the attack was carried out with the intent to take his life.

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When my house was invaded, they wanted to kill me but failed. Some said my intestines were shattered, others said my leg was broken, but there was nothing of such. They fired guns at me very well, but the prayers of you my fathers on me were answered.”

According to him, the DSS operatives forcefully gained entrance into his residence and pointed a gun at his Personal Assistant so he could lead them to his room.

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Death of cat after friend’s betrayal

While recalling the invasion, Igboho said one of his trusted friends betrayed him by leaking sensitive information about his cat to the operatives.

He disclosed that the so-called ‘trusted’ friend had told the agents not to let the cat escape, which led to the security operatives killing the animal.

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When I opened the door of my room for them, they saw my cat on the bed. One of my friends that I entrusted with secret had told them not to let the cat go. So they killed the cat and wrapped it with clothes like a corpse. They destroyed everywhere in the house and killed one of my brothers alongside one other person and they left,” he narrated.

Appeal to the Olowo

Speaking at the palace of the Olowo, Igboho said his absence from the country had lasted about five years and that he was eager to return to contribute to tackling insecurity in the South-West.

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READ ALSO:JUST IN: Sunday Igboho Returns To Nigeria

“But why I came to meet you Kabiesi is that till when will I be doing that. Nigeria is my motherland. This is about five years since I’ve been chased from here. Tinubu is your son, you can convince him to free me. If not for the wanted tag on me, I would have come to Nigeria to face the insecurity facing the South-West region. I would have entered the bush and faced them,” Igboho pleaded with the monarch.

Monarch’s response
In his response, Oba Ogunoye described Igboho as a beacon of hope for his generation and future ones, urging him not to be discouraged by the challenges he has faced.

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The monarch enjoined Igboho and his supporters to remain law-abiding amid ongoing challenges.

He assured him of continued support and called for peace and cooperation across South-West communities, noting that no region can achieve sustainable development without security.
(TRIBUNE)

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