PASTOR OSAGIE IZE-IYAMU: THE POLITICAL OAK TREE MANY BENEFITED FROM BUT FEW PUBLICLY ACKNOWLEDGE.
It is always astonishing when anyone asks what impact Osagie Ize-Iyamu has made in Edo State. Such a question can only come from political amnesia, ignorance of history, or deliberate revisionism. Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu is not merely another politician in Edo State; he is one of the principal architects of modern political organisation in the state. Long before many of today’s political actors found relevance, he had already built structures, nurtured leaders, and established networks that continue to shape Edo politics till today.
The famous GRACE GROUP under Pastor Ize-Iyamu was not an ordinary political association; it was the engine room of strategic mobilisation, grassroots coordination, and leadership grooming in Edo State. Many politicians across party lines either emerged directly from that political family or benefited immensely from its reach and organisational discipline. The Grace Group became synonymous with political sophistication, loyalty, and strategic thinking at a time when Edo politics desperately needed direction and cohesion.
History also records clearly that former governor Adams Oshiomhole rode significantly on the political structure, influence, and grassroots machinery of Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu and the GRACE GROUP to ascend to power in 2007 under the ACN platform, defeating the then-ruling PDP in Edo State. That victory was not achieved by rhetoric alone; it was built through painstaking political coordination, grassroots penetration, and strategic alliances championed by leaders like Pastor Ize-Iyamu. Comrade Oshiomhole himself, being a beneficiary of that structure and partnership, certainly would not ask such a STUPID question about Pastor Ize-Iyamu’s contributions to Edo State.
Even the late political titan TONY ANENIH, a man widely respected across Nigeria for his deep political intellect and influence, acknowledged Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu as a naturally gifted political strategic mind. Such recognition from a figure of CHIEF ANENIH'S stature was not accidental or ceremonial; it was an acknowledgment of uncommon political capacity, organisational brilliance, and strategic foresight. In politics, it takes one great strategist to recognise another.
Beyond electoral politics, Pastor Ize-Iyamu became one of the strongest voices for political moderation and collective leadership through the enduring philosophy of “No Man Is God.” Alongside respected and trusted voices like SAM IREDIA and FRANK AIREWELE, he helped reinforce the principle that leadership must serve the people rather than intimidate them. That philosophy resonated deeply in Edo State because it challenged the dangerous culture of political absolutism and reminded politicians that power ultimately belongs to the people.
Critics who attempt to measure contribution only through visible infrastructure often fail to understand that political stability, mentorship, leadership cultivation, and grassroots empowerment are equally vital foundations of development. Pastor Ize-Iyamu has remained accessible to ordinary people, deeply connected to communities, and consistently involved in empowering younger political actors. Many of those who now parade themselves as political heavyweights across party lines were politically invisible or under his apprenticeship or tutelage as Pastor Ize-Iyamu was shaping the direction of Edo politics.
Edo State’s political history cannot be truthfully written without placing Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu among its central pillars. Whether as strategist, mobiliser, mentor, or bridge-builder, his influence has transcended party lines and generations. Love him or disagree with him politically, his impact remains undeniable. In an era filled with political opportunism and temporary relevance, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu represents enduring political structure, loyalty, wisdom, and strategic depth qualities that continue to command respect across Edo State and beyond.
Felix ONI
Leadership Strategist and Campaign Consultant@ENOFmeans Limited.
