By Ufuoma Egbe,
In every political season, there are voices that contribute meaningfully to public discourse, and there are others that reduce politics to bitterness, vendetta, and personal attacks. Sadly, Dr. Wilson Omene appears to have chosen the latter path in his relentless and increasingly obsessive attacks against the Urhobo Senator, Ede Dafinone.
At 72, a man should ordinarily be enjoying the rewards of decades of labour, spending time with family, mentoring younger generations, and reflecting on the legacy he intends to leave behind. That stage of life is meant for wisdom, dignity, and statesmanship — not endless political brawls on radio stations and social media platforms in pursuit of relevance and daily survival.
Yet, Dr. Omene has turned himself into a permanent attack dog against Senator Dafinone, moving from one media platform to another, hurling accusations and lies without substance or justification. His bitterness appears rooted in unresolved grievances from the 2023 elections, particularly surrounding the vandalism of parts of his property during the political tension of that period. And unmet personal expectations from Senator Dafinone. If not, why has Omene chosen to act as if Dafinone is singularly responsible for every misfortune he harbours?
Politics should never descend into blind hatred. Unfortunately, Omene’s conduct increasingly resembles that of a man consumed by resentment rather than principle. Day after day, interview after interview, he continues to attack a man far younger than himself, almost as though political hostility has become a full-time occupation. For many observers, it is difficult to understand why a former local government chairman and a prominent Mosogar chief, would reduce himself to functioning as a media aide at the twilight of his life. What will his children and grandchildren be doing?
The tragedy is not merely in the attacks themselves, but in what they represent. Dr. Omene’s public conduct sends the wrong message to younger generations. It reinforces the dangerous culture where individuals invest their entire existence in politics without building enduring personal achievements, professional relevance, or economic independence outside the political arena. No society progresses when elderly men spend their retirement years chasing political patronage instead of serving as custodians of wisdom and community development.
Even more troubling is the contrast between Senator Dafinone and his critics. Whether one agrees with his politics or not, Ede Dafinone has an established record in finance, corporate governance, and public service. Before politics, he built a reputation in the boardroom and professional circles. His accomplishments did not begin with politics and will not end with politics. That is the difference between a man with a career and a man surviving on political handouts.
Dr. Omene, on the other hand, struggles to point to enduring achievements from his time as chairman of Ethiope West Local Government Council. Critics still remember his administration more for controversies and high-handed policies than transformative governance. Beyond politics, little can be identified as a legacy attached to his name. It is perhaps this absence of enduring accomplishment that fuels the desperation to remain politically visible at all costs, and to achieve that he must attack Senator Dafinone.
What makes the situation more unfortunate is that Dr. Omene comes from a respected family with accomplished individuals across business, academia, and professional fields. One would expect elders and stakeholders within his circle to advise restraint and caution. Instead, his public outbursts continue to drag not only his personal image but also the reputation of those associated with him into needless controversy.
Political disagreement is normal in a democracy. Senator Dafinone is not above criticism, and no public office holder should be immune from scrutiny. But criticism loses credibility when it is driven by personal bitterness, envy, or expectations that were never met. Nigerians are intelligent enough to distinguish constructive engagement from vendetta masquerading as activism.
If Dr. Omene genuinely believes Senator Dafinone has failed politically, he should engage in issues, policies, constituency projects, and legislative performance. That is what mature democracies encourage. What diminishes public discourse is the repeated resort to emotional attacks, personal insults, and sponsored media appearances clearly designed to tarnish reputations rather than enlighten citizens.
At 72, history should remember a man for wisdom, mentorship, and legacy — not for endless radio rants and social media quarrels. The danger for Dr. Omene is that if this obsession continues unchecked, he risks reducing an entire lifetime of public exposure into a footnote defined by bitterness against one man.
And that would be a truly unfortunate legacy.
Ufuoma Egbe, A public affairs analyst writes from Eku.
