Izeze–Mudi Feud: Why the Governor and Ughievwen Political Class Must Act Now

Your Excellency, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, when two of your sons engage in a political fight, the question is not necessarily who is right or wrong. The first question is: who will bring them back to the table?

That is the question the unfolding disagreement between the suspended Commissioner for Works, Hon. Reuben Izeze, and the Governor’s Senior Special Assistant, Simon Mudi, presents to the political leadership of Delta State and, particularly, the Ughievwen political family.

Whatever the underlying disagreement may be, the matter has reportedly escalated into confrontation, legal proceedings and the remand of the suspended commissioner. At this point, allowing the matter to continue to fester could have consequences beyond the two individuals.

It could become a wider political division.

Oborevwori’s intervention matters

Governor Oborevwori is uniquely positioned to open a reconciliation window.

That intervention should not be interpreted as interference with the judiciary or an attempt to determine guilt or innocence. Where allegations are before the courts, the courts should be allowed to do their job.

But political disagreements require political solutions.

The Governor could quietly engage trusted Ughievwen elders and respected political intermediaries to meet both camps separately, identify the real source of the disagreement and eventually bring the parties to a private negotiating table.

Sometimes, what politics creates, politics can resolve.

Nigeria’s political history offers lessons

Nigeria has seen bitter political disagreements eventually give way to reconciliation.

The reconciliation between Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, remains a significant example of how political negotiation can end prolonged confrontation.

The lesson is that political enemies are not necessarily permanent enemies.

If reconciliation was possible in a dispute of that magnitude, there is no reason for the Izeze–Mudi disagreement to be regarded as beyond political intervention.

Ughievwen cannot afford another political fault line

The Ughievwen political class must also rise above factional interests.

Former and serving political office holders, traditional leaders, elders and other respected stakeholders should not ask, “Who is winning?”

They should ask:

“Who loses if Ughievwen becomes divided?”

A reconciliation committee comprising people trusted by both sides could provide an avenue for dialogue.

Its job should not be to shield anyone from accountability, but to address the political issues, discourage further confrontation and restore communication.

Don’t allow Okere to become a political battlefield

The reported remand of the suspended commissioner makes the situation even more delicate.

A correctional facility should not become another arena for political rivalry, mobilisation or provocation.

If there are legal issues, let the law take its course.

But if there are political grievances behind the conflict, let political leaders address them.

Justice and reconciliation can proceed simultaneously.

Governor, call your sons home

Governor Oborevwori has an opportunity to demonstrate that political leadership is not only about appointments, projects and administration.

It is also about reconciliation.

When two of your sons fight, a father does not necessarily crown a winner.

He calls them home.

He remind them of their shared history and the greater interest that binds them together.

That is the intervention Ughievwen needs now.

Let the law take its course. Let dialogue take its course. Let politics resolve what politics can resolve.

And above all, let neither Izeze nor Mudi become the reason Ughievwen’s political family is permanently divided.

Because in politics, there may be winners and losers, but when a community becomes divided, everybody loses.

Kparobo Ehvwubare ANIPR writes from Oghara-Delta State. Could be reached on [email protected] .