By Jimitota Onoyume

A Chieftain of the newly formed Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC , Chief Ejaife Odebala has congratulated former governor of Delta state Chief James Ibori as he turned 68, recalling the beginning of their relationship twenty seven years ago.

Ejaife in a statement yesterday described Chief Ibori as his godfather , benefactor and mentor.

His words : ” As I celebrate you today, my thoughts travel back over 27 years to that humble bukka in Sapele – Mess 20, to be precise – where destiny brought us together. Many who witnessed that encounter dismissed it as nothing serious. Some even laughed at the bond that was beginning to form. Little did they know that what they saw was the beginning of a relationship that would stand the test of time.

“From that day until now, you have remained more than a leader to me. You became my Godfather, my mentor, my benefactor, and a father figure whose confidence in me gave me hope at moments when hope was scarce. Through the highs and the lows, my loyalty to you has never shifted because gratitude is a debt that honourable men never stop paying.

“There were times when I suffered political setbacks in Delta State simply because people would say, “Odebala is Ibori 100%.” Doors were closed against me, opportunities slipped away, and I endured unfair judgments because of my association with you. Yet, if I had the opportunity to choose again, I would make the same choice without hesitation. I would rather suffer for standing with a man who stood by me than prosper through the betrayal of one who believed in me.

“Your Excellency, perhaps my greatest weakness is that I cannot pretend. I cannot hide my emotions, and I cannot deny those who have been instruments of God’s blessings in my life. I have never been ashamed to acknowledge what you have done for me because gratitude is not slavery – it is character. To deny your impact on my life would be to deny the truth, and I will never do that.

“As you celebrate your 68th birthday today, my prayer is that the Almighty God, who has preserved you through every season, will continue to strengthen you with sound health, divine protection, uncommon wisdom, and lasting peace. May He reward your kindness, honour your sacrifices, and grant you many more fruitful years to witness the harvest of every good seed you have sown in the lives of others.”