Inside Peter Odili’s Godfatherism: Falling out with His Political Godsons Rotimi Amaechi and Wike 

Peter Odili’s rise to power is illustrative of the godfather dynamic. Marshal Harry, a powerful politician, is said to have been instrumental in Peter Odili’s political ascent. 

However, after becoming governor, Peter Odili reportedly sidelined Harry, dismantling his political structures and asserting his dominance. 

This fallout highlights the potential pitfalls of relying on patrons for political advancement.

Peter Odili’s Fallout with Political Protégés Amaechi and Wike

Peter Odili himself became a political godfather. Rotimi Amaechi, his successor as governor, is often described as Peter Odili’s political godson. 

In his autobiography entitled, Conscience and History, that Amaechi betrayed Peter Odili’s confidence at a time when he had told him not to go to court over the issue of his nomination as the PDP candidate.

He said: “I ensured that we worked hard for PDP to win the governorship election in Rivers State.

• If my support had gone elsewhere, PDP would not have won in Rivers State, and if PDP did not win in Rivers, the Supreme Court could not have ordered Amaechi to be sworn-in as governor.

• “These are all immutable facts that nothing else could therefore have changed, and nothing else could be justifiable reason for the hostility unleashed against me on the advent of Amaechi’s administration.”

However, their relationship soured after Amaechi’s rise to power, mirroring the pattern of Peter Odili’s breakup with Harry. 

In recent news, former Rivers State Governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, shared insights into the complexities of his political landscape during a conversation with journalists in Abuja.

His admission of a strained relationship with his political mentor, former Governor Peter Odili, sheds light on a deeper narrative of political evolution and strategic manoeuvring.

Wike’s rise from the gubernatorial seat to a ministerial position under President Bola Tinubu’s administration underscores his increasing influence on the national stage.

Wike’s Fallout with Peter Odili

However, his acknowledgement of a “frosty” relationship with Odili, whom he once revered as his political father, adds intrigue to his political journey.

The reasons behind the rift between Wike and Odili remain unclear, yet they hint at underlying tensions within Rivers State’s political fabric.

Some speculate that the discord may stem from the ongoing power struggle between Wike and incumbent Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

Wike’s criticism of key figures within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), including Abiye Sekibo, Uche Secondus, Celestine Omehia, and Austin Opara, further illustrates his willingness to challenge established political norms.

By branding them as “expired politicians” and asserting their irrelevance, Wike demonstrates a departure from traditional party politics.

Furthermore, Wike’s assertion that Secondus is no longer a PDP member, citing a court-validated suspension, signals a shift in power dynamics within the party hierarchy. 

His unwavering stance against those he perceives as obstacles reflects a calculated strategy to consolidate his authority and reshape the political landscape.

As Wike navigates the intricate web of alliances and rivalries within the PDP and beyond, his actions resonate beyond Rivers State’s borders.