The attention of friends of Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu has been drawn to a purported article authored by one “Prof. Ikhimwin Osagiede”, a name that, by all credible checks lacks verifiable academic or public standing. This immediately raises serious concerns about the credibility, intent, and integrity of the publication.
It is important to state clearly that Pastor Ize-Iyamu did not react to the comments credited to Jarrett Tenebe. Contrary to the false narrative pushed in the write-up, there was no “outburst” from him. Rather, responses came organically from concerned stakeholders and party faithful across divides, many of whom found the chairman’s remarks inappropriate, ill-timed, and unbecoming of his office.The attempt to personalize a general statement and weaponize it against Pastor Ize-Iyamu is both mischievous and intellectually dishonest.
For the record, Pastor Ize-Iyamu’s support for Governor Monday Okpebholo during the APC primaries was not influenced by any party chairman. It was driven by long-standing relationships, mutual respect, and alignment with respected leaders across Edo Central and beyond. His decision was statesmanlike and rooted in party unity, not coercion or transactional politics.
It must also be emphatically stated that Pastor Ize-Iyamu did not demand a kobo to step down. This is a baseless allegation that can be independently verified by the Governor himself. Peddling such claims without evidence only exposes the desperation of those behind the smear.
Furthermore, the writer conveniently avoids a critical moment during the primaries: when the collation venue was attacked and overrun. At that crucial point, where was the self-styled “Emperor”? Did he not flee the scene? Who, then, stepped in to stabilize the situation and ensure the process was concluded? The public deserves answers to these questions, not manufactured stories.
The recurring use of anonymous or unverifiable authors to push politically motivated narratives is a disservice to public discourse. If “Prof. Ikhimwin Osagiede” truly exists, he should be bold enough to step into the public space, own his claims, and provide verifiable evidence to support them. Hiding behind a questionable identity to malign others only reinforces the lack of substance in the argument.
Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu’s political trajectory, contributions, and stature cannot be diminished by shadowy publications or sponsored attacks. He remains a key figure whose influence and relevance transcend the petty politics reflected in the said article.
Those attempting to drag him into unnecessary controversies should understand one thing clearly: he is not on their level.
Mike Osaghae
For Friends of Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu