Some members of the Obaseki extended family yesterday pledged their support for Ize-Iyamu ahead of the election.
The endorsement came during a meeting at the Benin private residence of the APC governorship candidate.
Earlier in the week, many aides, appointees, and other government officials resigned their positions to back Ize-Iyamu.
A cousin of Edo governor, Victor Obaseki, while speaking at the meeting, admitted that although Godwin was his blood, he would not be getting the support of some family members.
He said: “I am here today (yesterday) in company with my cousins to support Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu.
“Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki, the Executive Governor (of Edo State), is our cousin. Generally, the Obasekis have their own way of doing things.
“We are a different branch of faith. We are supporting our brother, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, with unalloyed support fully for him.
“I have supported him (Ize-Iyamu) before, and I will continue to support him. We will do all our campaigns for him without let or hindrance, fully from the bottom of our hearts.”
Edo governorship candidate of APC, in his remarks, expressed delight at the support of the members of Obaseki’s family, stressing that it served as a confirmation of the poor administration that Godwin had given to Edo State in the past four years.
He also praised the members of Obaseki’s family for not allowing sentiments to becloud their judgment in their support for the right person to lead Edo State for the next four years.
Ize-Iyamu said: “Let me thank you for the endorsement. I have known some of you for many years and I am very happy that politics has not strained our relationship.
“It is true as Osaro said that far away in New York, I had the opportunity of meeting with him and other Edolites, where I shared my ambition.
“Osaro has been a good gentleman and humble man, and has always declared his support.
“He came out this morning to say Godwin has not done well, and not because they answer the same surname would continue to support him and go through the very poor performance that we have seen in the past four years.
“They will not allow the sentiments or even deceit of brotherhood to make them to vote for somebody they know is not qualified for a position.”
