Adams Oshiomhole, the former governor of Edo state, has been fingered in entrenchment violence and use of cultism to tighten his grip on power and whittle down the influence of opponents.
Oshiomhole, who was unceremoniously ousted as the national chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC) featured prominently in new documentary by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).
The documentary which focused on the activities of the Black Axe Confraternity, aka Aiye, explored the impact of cultism on Nigeria socio-political and economic dynamics and how it has become part and parcel of the society.
The reports also show the relationship between the brute cult group and its legal organisation, the Neo Black Movement of Africa
Oshiomhole name popped up during an interview with the notorious cultist and popular political thug, Tony Kabaka.
Kabaka said Oshiomhole leverages cultism and its concomitant diabolical activities to gain political mileage, adding that the one time pugnacious labour leader masterminds and supports cult violence.
Kabaka revealed that it was Oshiomhole desire to use his (Kabaka) penchent for terror and violence that brought him out of obscurity and flung him into mainstream of Nigeria politics.
“So Oshiomhole did it for me, I was nothing before,” Mr Kabaka said in the video, adding that “Cultism still exists because the government is involved.”
In the hour long video uploaded toYouTube, the BBC explores the roots and origins of the cult group which was created to fight oppression, subjugation and push for students rights.
The ideology and objectives of the group have since been eschewed for catastrophic pursue of personal agenda which is anathema to the very essence of its creation.
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Pampamnews gathered that Kabaka admitted his close relationship with politicians and most especially Oshiomhole. He told BBC that politicians use him and other cult figures as muscle during elections.
The report also showed hacked emails from 2012, at the time where Oshiomholewon the gubernatorial electionfor his second term in office for the Action Congress of Nigeria, revealing how N35 million naira was funnelled by multiple political figures to bank accounts held by the Neo Black Movement ahead of an election campaign.
According to the report, a qiud pro quo arrangement was reached between the parties. The arrangement promised a reservation of 80 political offices and roles for the members of the cult group in exchange for their services.
Oshiomhole, whose political fortunes and public appearance, have continued to dwindle following his removal as APC chairman and loss of his annointed candidate at the Edo gubernatorial election last year, has not spoken or issued an official statement over his involvement with the activities of the Black Axe.
The documentary is coming at a time there is growing public resentment towards cultism and heinous activities of cultists following the death of 12-year-old Sylvester Oromoni of Dowen College who was tortured and dehumanised by his seniors for allegedly refusing to join a ‘cult’ group. The grievous injury and drinking of harmful substance led to his demise. The incident was greeted by widespread condemnation and protestations both online and offline. They school had since been closed down by Lagos state government pending the outcome of its investigation.
The activities of the Black Axe movement have become a source of concern and drawm the attention of security personnel and certain political interests in the country and abroad.
Udom Emmanuel, the governor of Akwa Ibom state, In 2020, declared “cults, societies and groups”, including the Black Axe, “unlawful”.
In July, the Nigeria Police warned hoodlums or cult groups that had planned to celebrate the Black Axe Day.
In October, the US Secret Service said in a statement that an investigation it carried out alongside the FBI led to federal charges related to internet scams against seven leaders of the Cape Town Zone of the Neo Black Movement of Africa.
