Residents of Ewohimi in Esan South East Local Government Area of Edo State have issued a stern warning to Senator Adams Oshiomhole, demanding that he produce evidence of his allegations or face a libel suit.
This follows a controversial comment by the former governor and current senator representing Edo North senatorial district.
Oshiomhole had alleged that Asue Ighodalo, the governorship candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), avoids his village due to the presence of witches and wizards.
The remarks have sparked outrage among Ewohimi residents, who view the accusations as an unwarranted attack on their community.
The citizens of Ewohimi accused Oshiomhole of engaging in a campaign of bitterness rather than focusing on substantive issues ahead of the governorship election.
They are particularly incensed by what they perceive as a personal attack on Ighodalo, who is related to Oshiomhole’s late wife.
In a statement, Ewohimi leaders demanded that Oshiomhole provide proof of his claims or face legal action for libel.
Part of the statement signed by the leaders read: ”The former governor’s focus on personal attacks rather than policy discussions reflects poorly on his character.
”At 72, we expect Oshiomhole to be above board and conduct himself with decorum. Alas, the reverse is the case. The former governor is no different from the average motor park tout.
”No wonder our dear elder statesman, Sir John Oyegun, once said Oshiomhole speaks from both sides of his mouth.
”We call on his family members to rein in on their patriarch. His recent conduct is unbecoming of a septuagenarian. Rather than be a unifying figure, the former governor seems to have sacrificed common sense for tomfoolery all in the name of politics.”
The leaders urged Edo people to be wary of desperate politicians like Oshiomhole, who ”only focuses on deep divisions and personal rivalries that should not be tolerated ahead of the forthcoming governorship election.”