At Chief Gabriel Igbinedion’s 90th birthday banquet in Benin on Saturday, former Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole publicly sought forgiveness for any past wrongs committed against the businessman during his tenure.
Oshiomhole hailed Igbinedion as a good father and commended his societal contributions while seeking atonement.
“You brought together people from all parts of the country; North, South, East, and West and across political and religious divides,” Oshiomhole said.
He also acknowledged Igbinedion’s pivotal support in his political journey, stating, “I want to publicly acknowledge your support for me in 2007 and 2008, without which I might never have become the governor of Edo State.”
Reflecting on his regrets, Oshiomhole confessed, “As a Catholic, I want to confess that I might have done some things I shouldn’t have done as governor. At 90, it is only right that I ask for your forgiveness for any of my actions that may have irritated you.”
He likened Igbinedion’s extensive influence to a parent with many children, noting, “That is the challenge of having too many children; you have tall ones, short ones, big ones, and small ones. And the small one turns out to be one of those that caused you to harm.”
Oshiomhole added, “I have always looked for one opportunity to say to the Esama of the universe that I am sorry for any of the things that I said knowingly or unknowingly or any of the things that I did that a son should never have done to a father.
“On your 90th birthday, I ask for your forgiveness, and I pray that you grant it.”
He humorously reflected on parenthood, stating, “The only way to avoid children doing things you don’t like is not to have any. But with as many children as God has blessed you with, some are bound to irritate you.”
He concluded by expressing hope for reconciliation with Igbinedion’s family, including Lucky Igbinedion, and praised Igbinedion’s contributions to establishing Nigeria’s first private university.
Sahara Reporters
Leave a Reply