Wike vs Fubara: Top list of godfathers, godsons who fought supremacy battle

The political landscape in Rivers State is becoming increasingly charged as the rivalry between the former Governor, Nyesom Wike, and his estranged godson, Siminalayi Fubara, escalates. Wike, in a recent interview on Friday, expressed his disdain for ingratitude, hinting that the battle has yet to fully unfold. This dynamic echoes a recurring pattern in Nigerian politics, where conflicts between godfathers and their political proteges often favor the latter.

Examining past instances of such power struggles, the historical precedence indicates that the godfathers typically hold the upper hand. For example, the clash between Peter Obi and Willie Obiano, who initially had a godfather-godson relationship, ended with Obiano prevailing in the 2017 election.

Similarly, the tension between Godswill Akpabio and Emmanuel Udom in Akwa-Ibom State resulted in Udom successfully securing re-election in 2019 and passing on power to his preferred successor in 2023.

The political rift between Orji Uzor Kalu and Theodore Orji in Abia State illustrates another instance where the godson, Theodore Orji, eventually broke away from his political mentor and succeeded in maintaining control for 16 years until the recent shift in political dynamics.

In Enugu State, the conflict between Chimaroke Nnamani and Sullivan Chime saw the godfather, Nnamani, facing challenges in accessing the state after Chime assumed office. Chime successfully installed his preferred successor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, in 2015.

The Kwankwaso-Ganduje feud in Kano State, Adams Oshiomhole versus Godwin Obaseki in Edo State, and the power struggle between Wamakko and Tambuwal in Sokoto State further highlight the recurring theme of godfather-godson conflicts in Nigerian politics.

Even in Lagos, a rare instance occurred where the godfather, Bola Tinubu, defeated the incumbent governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, during the primary election in 2018.

Cross Rivers State witnessed a fallout between the godfather, Liyel Imoke, and his godson, Ben Ayade, leading to Ayade’s defection to the APC after years of tension.

In Benue State, George Akume’s influence played a pivotal role in governorship successions, with Gabriel Suswan succeeding him in 2007 but eventually falling out. Akume later supported Samuel Ortom, who became governor in 2015.

Lastly, the power shift in Delta State from James Ibori to his godson, Ifeanyi Okowa, marked a significant change, with Okowa prevailing in the primary election despite Ibori’s backing of another candidate.

These historical instances highlight the complex and often tumultuous nature of godfather-godson relationships in Nigerian politics, with outcomes varying based on the specific dynamics of each situation.