Ex-council chair, Attoh hails Iyamu’s character, says his reputation goes beyond borders

By Sunday Ani

Former Chairman of Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, Princess Benedicta Attoh, has described the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for Oredo Federal Constituency, Dr. Paddy Iyamu, as a man whose name and reputation have travelled beyond the shores of Nigeria.

In a statement, entitled ‘Paddy Iyamu: The Man, The Name and The Making of a Political Reputation,’ Attoh said some names dominate political conversations because of controversy, while others command attention because of the offices their bearers occupy, but Iyamu belongs to the category of names that travel effortlessly across communities, borders and continents, carried by testimonies of people who have encountered them.

She disclosed that in recent times, Iyamu’s name had repeatedly surfaced in her conversations about Edo State politics, including during her recent visit to Europe, where the references were consistently positive.

“They call him the ‘King of Boys.’ In Nigeria’s political vocabulary, such a title can carry considerable significance. It suggests influence, grassroots connection, loyalty and an ability to build relationships across different social and political networks,” she said.

She said she had always believed that reputations deserve closer examination, adding that popularity is one thing and character is another.

She said she recently had the opportunity to meet Iyamu personally for the first time, a meeting arranged simply to get acquainted and exchange perspectives.

“Within a short time, I began to appreciate why he had made such a positive impression on those who spoke about him. What struck me most was his warmth, humility and ease of engagement. There was an openness to the interaction that made conversation natural rather than ceremonial,” she stated.

She described the encounter as refreshing, stressing that having served in public office herself, she stressed that one of the greatest challenges of political leadership is maintaining genuine human connections while navigating the demands of public life.

She maintained that although Oredo is not her constituency, she had never believed that political relationships should be confined to geographical boundaries, adding that Edo State is a common heritage and the quality of leadership emerging from any part of the state should concern all.

She said the state needs political actors that can build bridges, listen to different perspectives and recognise that public service is ultimately about people rather than positions.

“Of course, a single meeting cannot establish the full measure of any individual. Neither popularity nor a favourable first impression should exempt a political candidate from public scrutiny. The true test of leadership remains character demonstrated over time, competence, accountability and the ability to translate goodwill into tangible benefits for the people,” she added.

The former chairman reiterated that people may forget the titles held, but they rarely forget how they were made to feel, noting that as Edo State looks towards future political representation, the state must continue to encourage a political culture that values accessibility, humility, competence and service.

“His reputation made me curious. Our meeting gave me a better understanding of why his name resonates with so many people. A political title may introduce you to the people, but it is your character that determines what they say about you when you are not in the room. As for the man they call the ‘King of Boys,’ I now understand a little better why the name has travelled so far,” she concluded.