The Height Of Gaucheness: Refuting Oshiomhole’s Dictum On Betsy Obaseki’s Childlessness

BY ISAAC ASABOR*

Certain boundaries in political discourse should never be crossed, no matter how intense the competition or the stakes are. Adams Oshiomhole, a prominent figure in Nigerian politics and former governor of Edo State, recently crossed one of these lines by making a deeply personal and insensitive remark about Betsy Obaseki, the wife of current Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki. Oshiomhole’s remark about Betsy Obaseki’s childlessness is not only offensive, but it also reflects a troubling trend in Edo politics, in which personal attacks are increasingly being used as weapons.

Unfortunately, this is not the first time such a despicable tactic has been used in Edo State’s political scene. In September 2020, Tony Adun, also known as Tony Kabaka, made a similarly insensitive remark about Betsy Obaseki’s childlessness. This pattern of politicising people’s personal lives is deeply troubling and must be strongly condemned. This nonsense in Edo politics must come to an end.

The personal pain and emotional turmoil associated with childlessness, whether by choice or circumstance, are serious and private issues that should never be used for political gain. By making such remarks, both Oshiomhole and Kabaka demonstrated a lack of respect and empathy, bringing the political discourse in Edo State to an unacceptable low. Childlessness is a sensitive issue that should be treated with utmost respect rather than used as a political mudslinging tool.

At this point, allow this writer to support the inspiration for this article by stating that only God, not man, gives children. The belief that children are God’s gift is deeply ingrained in scripture, as evidenced by numerous passages. According to Psalm 127:3, “Children are a heritage from the Lord; offspring are a reward from him.” This verse emphasises that children are not the result of human effort or desire, but rather of God’s grace and love. They are described as a legacy and a reward, evoking the divine blessing and favour that accompany the gift of new life.

This truth is highlighted in Genesis 21:1-2 through the story of Sarah and Abraham. Despite their advanced age and years of barrenness, God kept His promise, and Sarah gave birth to Isaac. This miraculous event serves as a powerful reminder that, in the end, God’s will and power are responsible for life. Similarly, Hannah’s story in 1 Samuel 1:19-20 illustrates the same principle. After years of childlessness and fervent prayer, God remembered Hannah, and she conceived and gave birth to Samuel, recognising that the Lord had granted her request.

These examples demonstrate that, while human actions play a role in procreation, only God has the ultimate authority to create life. Thus, the birth of a child is always a source of gratitude and reverence, as it reflects God’s generous and life-giving character.

Furthermore, the comments about Obaseki’s wife, Betsy, being childless highlight a larger societal issue in Nigeria, where women are frequently unfairly judged and stigmatised based on their ability to bear children. This outdated and harmful mindset limits women to their reproductive abilities while ignoring their numerous other contributions to society. Such views have no place in a modern, progressive society like Nigeria, and our leaders must set a higher standard in their rhetoric and actions.

Political disagreements and rivalries are to be expected in a democratic society, but they should be based on policies, governance, and issues that directly affect people’s lives. Personal attacks, particularly on deeply personal matters, divert attention away from the real issues at hand and degrade the quality of political debate. Edo State deserves better from its leaders.

The frequent use of personal and disparaging remarks in Edo politics should serve as a wake-up call. It is a perilous trend that threatens to undermine the civility and respect that should underpin our political systems. Edo politics should be about ideas, vision, and service to the people, not about undermining opponents with personal insults and insensitive remarks.

The reaction to Oshiomhole’s and Kabaka’s remarks is a positive sign that the people of Edo State are unwilling to tolerate such behaviour. It is a call to action for all political leaders in the state to elevate their rhetoric and focus on issues that truly matter to the people, such as economic development, healthcare, education, and security. The politics of personal destruction must stop.

As Nigerians, and especially as Edolites, we must demand more of our leaders. We must insist on a political environment in which respect, decency, and a focus on substantive issues prevail over personal attacks. Every individual, particularly women, must have their dignity respected, and our leaders must set a good example in this regard.

However, Adams Oshiomhole’s insensitive remarks about Betsy Obaseki’s childlessness are unacceptable and must be condemned. It is time for Edo politics to move beyond pettiness and focus on issues that truly matter to the people. Let us demand a political discourse motivated by respect, empathy, and a desire to improve the lives of all Edolites. Personal attacks have no place in our politics, and they must stop.