Oshiomhole Slams Obaseki: Woman Gave Birth to Twins in Prison Over N20k Fine

Former Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole has strongly criticized the current governor, Godwin Obaseki, for allegedly imprisoning impoverished street vendors over minor fines. Oshiomhole’s remarks were made during a campaign rally for the All Progressives Congress (APC), which aired on TVC News.

Oshiomhole accused Governor Obaseki of enforcing harsh penalties on street vendors, including a fine of N20,000. Those unable to pay the fine, according to Oshiomhole, were imprisoned. He shared a distressing account of a woman who, unable to afford the fine, was sent to prison, where she eventually gave birth to twins.

In another example of what he described as the governor’s cruelty, Oshiomhole spoke of a woman who developed elephantiasis while incarcerated for failing to pay the same fine. He argued that these incidents are emblematic of a broader pattern of harsh and unjust treatment under Obaseki’s administration.

Reflecting on his past support for Obaseki, Oshiomhole expressed deep regret, suggesting that the governor’s actions have revealed a lack of compassion and fairness. He emphasized that Obaseki’s governance represents a significant error in judgment, one that he now seeks to rectify by rallying support for the APC.

Oshiomhole’s comments were clearly intended to draw a sharp contrast between the policies of his party and what he described as the failures of Obaseki’s administration, hoping to sway voters in the upcoming election.