In the past, Governor Obaseki had a contentious relationship with Senator Oshiomhole, particularly leading up to the 2020 Edo gubernatorial elec­tion, where Obaseki secured a second term against Oshiom­hole-backed Osagie Ize-Iyamu. Despite Oshiomhole's instrumental role in Obaseki's first-term victory in 2016, the governor had previously stated in November 2019 that Oshiomhole did not contribute to his success.

Obaseki, at that time, asserted, "Nobody, but God made me gover­nor of Edo State. I am not an ungrateful person. No one made me gov­ernor. I became governor by God’s grace, with the support of many other people. If God had said I would not be governor, no way would I have been a governor. It is wrong for someone to say he made me governor."

However, during the ongoing economic summit, Obaseki surprised many by making a u-turn and praising Oshiomhole for making it 'possible' for him to become governor. Oshiomhole, along with former Governors John Odi­gie-Oyegun and Chief Lucky Igbinedion, was present at the summit, where Obaseki presented him with an award and expressed gratitude, stating, "As governor of Edo state, you made it possible for me to become the governor of Edo state. If you did not, I will not be here tonight… I will forever be grateful to you."