WHEN LOYALTY IS REWARDED WITH BETRAYAL: THE CONTINUED POLITICAL CRUCIFIXION OF PASTOR OSAGIE IZE-IYAMU BY THOSE HE FOUGHT FOR, STOOD WITH, AND SACRIFICED HIS REPUTATION TO PROTECT

Politics, they say, is not for the faint-hearted. Yet, even within the rough terrain of political engagement, there should still exist room for loyalty, fairness, truth, and internal conflict resolution without the destruction of personalities. Sadly, the experience of Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu in Edo State politics continues to reveal a disturbing pattern where a man’s goodwill, sacrifices, and commitment to justice are repeatedly repaid with orchestrated attacks, blackmail, and public humiliation.

Anytime Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu aspires for an elective office, certain individuals suddenly assemble their familiar arsenal of character assassination, propaganda, and coordinated falsehoods against him. The painful irony, however, is that many of these attacks often come from people within the same political family — individuals who should ordinarily protect internal interests rather than expose them to public ridicule.

What should be resolved quietly within party structures is deliberately dragged to the media space and social platforms, where emotions easily overpower truth. False narratives are manufactured, recycled, and amplified with the sole purpose of damaging his reputation before the public. Disturbingly, in an age where many people no longer take time to verify facts before forming opinions, these lies spread rapidly, poisoning minds and creating hatred against a man who may never have personally offended them.

This ugly trend is not new. Edo people can still recall how former Governor Adams Oshiomhole publicly made damaging allegations against Pastor Ize-Iyamu in the past. Ironically, when political realities changed and reconciliations happened, those same allegations were softened, denied, or politically reinterpreted. Unfortunately, the damage had already been done. The public had already absorbed the narratives, and many voters punished Pastor Ize-Iyamu based on claims that were later contradicted by the same individuals who promoted them.

Today, history appears to be repeating itself. The current State Chairman seems to be walking the same dangerous path — deploying public criticism, internal hostility, and political intimidation against a man who has continually stood for equity, fairness, inclusion, and party stability. One begins to wonder: why must some political actors always seek relevance by dragging others down? Why is it that certain individuals cannot advance their ambitions without attempting to destroy the image of another?

These are questions many sincere supporters continue to ask.

Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu may not be a perfect man — no politician is, and indeed no human being is. However, it is both unfair and hypocritical for those who themselves possess glaring imperfections to continuously magnify the perceived shortcomings of another while ignoring their own failures. It is easier to point at the little sand in another man’s eyes while pretending not to notice the heavy logs within ours.

Beyond politics, Pastor Ize-Iyamu has remained a man known for his advocacy for justice, equity, peace, and development. He has built relationships across divides, mentored many young political actors, empowered countless individuals, and sacrificed immensely for the growth of his political family and the progress of Edo State. Yet, rather than appreciation, he repeatedly faces betrayal from some of those he once defended and supported.

What is most unfortunate is that after every political battle, some of the same individuals who publicly attack him often return behind closed doors seeking reconciliation, support, and cooperation as though nothing happened. But by then, the opposition has already weaponized the damaging statements made against him by his own supposed allies.

This cycle must stop.

Political disagreements are normal in every democracy, but sustained campaigns of internal destruction against one individual weaken not only the person involved but also the unity and credibility of the political structure itself. Leaders must learn to disagree without dehumanizing one another.

No matter how long the night may be, joy will surely come in the morning. Truth has a way of surviving propaganda, and history has a way of vindicating those who endure persecution with patience, dignity, and consistency.

Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu has undoubtedly gone through a lot. But perhaps, in the end, resilience, loyalty, and character will speak louder than coordinated attacks and temporary political schemes.

_Comrade Abu Rasheed (Angel Mike), is a social activist, theologian, policy political/political analyst, and blogger from Edo State_