The scene unfolded when Wike jetted into Edo to commission 54 heavy-duty machines bought by Okpebholo for local governments. These beasts are set to revamp rural roads and boost local economies, a move Wike hailed as groundbreaking. But it was the governor's dramatic bow—captured in a photo that's gone viral—that stole the show, leaving tongues wagging across social media.
Critics aren't holding back, slamming it as a sign of subservience. "A sitting governor bowing down to Wike? Haba, nah shame," one Facebook user fumed, echoing sentiments of godfatherism lurking in Okpebholo's 2024 election win. Whispers suggest Wike's influence was key in that victory, turning the bow into fuel for accusations of undue control.
Defenders, however, spin it differently. They call it pure cultural respect or a nod of gratitude for Wike's backing. "It's just Edo tradition," some argue, brushing off the drama as overblown.
Wike didn't shy away from the spotlight, praising Okpebholo's grassroots efforts as a surefire boost for President Tinubu's 2027 re-election bid. "You've laid the foundation," Wike reportedly said, tying local wins to national ambitions.
This isn't the first Edo-Wike tangle. Past fallouts, like Wike's rift with ex-Governor Godwin Obaseki, add layers to the intrigue. As reactions pour in—from mockery to support—the exchange peels back the curtain on Nigeria's political hierarchies, where loyalty can look a lot like leverage.
Yet, amid the chatter, Okpebholo stays focused on development. But will this bow bend public opinion or break it? Only time will tell in this high-stakes game of thrones.
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