Adams Oshiomhole, the senator representing Edo North Senatorial District, has spoken out about the qualifications of his son, Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole, to serve as the Commissioner for Health in Edo State. The statement was made during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today program on Wednesday.
Governor Monday Okphebolo, who assumed office in November, appointed Cyril as Health Commissioner shortly after being sworn in. This decision has sparked widespread criticism, with some accusing the governor of rewarding Oshiomhole’s political support during his election campaign. Others have labeled the appointment as a sign of nepotism and undue influence.
Addressing these concerns, Oshiomhole revealed that he initially had reservations about the appointment. He explained that he had cautioned both the governor and his son about the potential backlash.
“He doesn’t work under me; maybe Governor Monday is grooming him. When I was in Edo, I stopped him when he wanted to go for the House of Reps.
“I said no and supported another guy. The second time he wanted to try, I said no. This time the governor decided to pick him. He is qualified.
“I did express my concerns when I heard. I called him and expressed my concerns. I expressed those concerns to the governor that people might say this and that.
“Those were the reasons why I stopped him from contesting elections when I was in office but then I have to accept that in the world that we live in, you can only do so much to control your son but not when he is already of adult age.
“But the point must be made: I invested in my children’s education. I didn’t want them to go through what I went through.
“So, Dr Cyril is not just a medical doctor from ABU (Ahmadu Bello University), he went to do post-graduate in two universities in the US, including Harvard and another university in Louisiana. He does something about public health.
“So, he is not having it because he is Oshiomhole; I will say he is having it in spite of being Oshiomhole,” he said.
