TRUTH OVER PROPAGANDA: CONCERNED EDO SOUTH APC STAKEHOLDERS REJECT MISLEADING CLAIMS AND DELIBERATE FALSEHOODS BY COLLINS OSAGHAE AND LIKE-MINDED ACTORS

 *Re: Recent Statement by Collins Osaghae – Clarification from Concerned Edo South APC Stakeholders*

The Concerned Edo South APC Stakeholders have noted with dismay the recent video statement by Mr. Collins Osaghae, Special Adviser to the Governor on Digital Media, directed at Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu over the outcome of the Edo South Senatorial Primary.

Let it be clear:

1. *Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu is a senior figure in Edo APC.* As a respected pastor, former Chief of Staff, Secretary to the Edo State Government, and two-time governorship candidate, his contributions deserve respect. It is unbecoming for a public appointee to use social media to provoke senior party leaders.

2. *Pastor Ize-Iyamu has no quarrel with His Excellency, Governor Monday Okpebholo.* At no point has he directed any attack, insult, or disrespect toward the Governor. Political disagreement within the APC is not enmity. It is normal in a democratic party.

3. *None of our people have insulted the Governor.* In all public statements since the primary, Pastor Ize-Iyamu has reiterated his respect for the office of the Governor and for Governor Okpebholo personally. To suggest otherwise is a deliberate misrepresentation meant to create a false narrative of conflict.

4. *At no time has Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu directed his media handlers to attack the Governor or the Palace of His Royal Majesty, the Oba of Benin Kingdom.* He holds both the Governor and the Palace in high esteem. Any claim to the contrary is false and misleading.

5. *We call on Collins Osaghae to be called to order.* His role is to project the digital image of the Governor, not to inflame party divisions. If there are concerns, they should be addressed through proper party channels, not viral videos designed to provoke. Collins should be careful with his new assignment and not overstep his boundaries.

6. *We respect the authority and counsel of the Oba of Benin.* The Oba has always stood for reconciliation and peace in Edo. We align with that position. The Oba’s palace has the cultural authority to welcome anyone it so desires, and political actors must respect that tradition.

The Edo South Senatorial Primary has come and gone. What Edo APC needs now is unity, not needless media wars. Pastor Ize-Iyamu remains committed to the progress of the APC and the success of Governor Okpebholo’s administration. He will not be distracted by personal attacks from junior aides.

We advise Mr. Osaghae to focus on his mandate and allow the party leadership to handle internal matters.

*Signed,*  

Barr Evans Uwaifo  

For: Concerned Edo South APC Stakeholders  

Benin City  

May 24, 2026