The Edo State government on Saturday alleged that one of the nephews of Adams Oshiomhole, national chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), organised the thugs that attacked Governor Godwin Obaseki and other dignitaries at Oshiomhole’s residence on Saturday.

Speaking with Sunday Independent, Crusoe Osagie, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Communications Strategy, said the attack took place after Oshiomhole had invited Obaseki and others for lunch after the maiden convocation of Edotate university, Iyamho, Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State.

He said: “Edo University, Iyamho is just directly opposite Oshiomhole’s house. After the convocation was concluded, Oshiomhole invited the governor, Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu and Aderemi Makanjuola, the institution’s newly installed chancellor, for lunch.

“As they drove into his compound, that was how thugs organised by one of Oshiomhole’s nephews attacked the vehicles and smashed several vehicles.”

However, Oshiomhole, during his speech at the event commended Governor Obaseki for sustaining his development legacies, saying the governor had done well in sustaining development of the university, as the institution had been positioned to become a world-class ivory tower.

He commended Obaseki for the choice of a well accomplished the institution’s chancellor, noting that Nigeria could be better if emphasis was placed on quality education.

Oshiomhole said the institution was not established for political motive, but to train and nurture future leaders, even as he commended the pioneer graduates of the institution, urging them to be good ambassadors.

As part of the ceremony, Obaseki installed the chairman, Caverton Offshore Support Group, Mr. Aderemi Makanjuola, as the institution’s Chancellor, who was also decorated with honorary Doctor of Science.

Obaseki said the state government was keen on supporting development of the school and providing an enabling environment for the institution to become a leading university in Nigeria, even as he announced a N1 million cash gift for each of the five First Class graduates.

Makanjuola commended the institution for finding him worthy to be installed as chancellor, promising to live up to the confidence reposed on him.

He described the facilities at the Edo University, Iyamho, as among the best in the country, adding that the university’s vocational skills centre would equip students with entrepreneur skills, which would make them employers of labour after graduation.

Acting Pro-Chancellor of the university, Prof T.O.K Audu, commended Oshiomhole, the founder of the institution, noting that the existence of the university had brought about economic buoyancy within the host community.

Vice Chancellor, Edo University, Iyamho, Prof Emmanuel Aluyor, said the five students who made first class had been offered automatic employment with the university and an opportunity for them to undertake their Post Graduate studies at the University of Sunderland, United Kingdom, under a student and staff exchange programme. (Sunday Independent)

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