Governor-elect Senator Monday Okpebholo has raised questions over the whereabouts of Governor Obaseki, accusing him of fleeing Edo in disguise and abandoning his duties. This unusual turn has sparked concerns about the Governor’s recent statements and his approach to the upcoming power transition.
In a dramatic development in Edo State’s political scene, Senator Monday Okpebholo, the Governor-elect, has issued a scathing statement claiming that outgoing Governor Godwin Obaseki has fled the state under mysterious circumstances. According to the Governor-elect, the governor allegedly abandoned the Government House in Benin City and left in disguise, using a bus to escape, rather than exiting through more official means. This alleged departure occurred just days before his official handover to the incoming administration, raising questions about Obaseki’s intentions and state of mind as his term draws to a close.
Governor-elect expressed deep concerns over Obaseki’s recent behavior, describing it as both bizarre and “reckless.” In the statement signed by his spokesperson, Godspower Inegbe, Okpebholo alleged that the governor ordered Government House staff out of the building last Friday before disappearing, claiming he has since made no public appearances. “If Obaseki is as popular as he claims, why did he not leave openly?” the Governor-elect questioned, alleging that the Governor’s choice to flee in disguise suggests an attempt to evade accountability or scrutiny.
The Governor-elect further criticized Obaseki’s recent statements, which he claimed are intended to manipulate public perception ahead of the ongoing tribunal hearing over the governorship election. Okpebholo won the election held on September 21, a result which the governor has contested, accusing Okpebholo of “stealing the mandate of Edo people.” The Governor-elect countered these accusations, calling them “myopic” and “baseless,” and argued that Obaseki’s refusal to accept the election results demonstrates his “desperation to cling to power” by undermining the legitimacy of the incoming administration.
The escalating tension between the two political leaders has cast a spotlight on the transition process, which Okpebholo asserts Obaseki has actively resisted. “Since winning the election, I have not been invited to Government House or even contacted by Obaseki,” Okpebholo noted, accusing the outgoing Governor of obstructing a peaceful handover. Okpebholo further warned that, with the end of his term approaching, Obaseki will soon lose his immunity from legal action and will face consequences if he continues making what Okpebholo described as “reckless and defamatory” statements.
Calling Obaseki’s latest allegations a “distraction tactic,” Okpebholo urged Edo residents to reject what he called Obaseki’s “antics” and to instead look forward to a new era of governance under his leadership. He reassured the public that his administration would focus on addressing the “many wrongs” left by Obaseki’s administration, which he criticized for alleged misappropriation and failure to develop the state. “Edo people have rejected Obaseki’s government and its continuation through his glorified stooge, Asue Ighodalo,” Okpebholo asserted, referring to Obaseki’s chosen successor who ran unsuccessfully in the election.
As the transition process proceeds amid rising tensions, Okpebholo affirmed his commitment to honoring the electoral mandate and initiating reforms to benefit Edo’s citizens. The Governor-elect concluded his statement by reiterating his confidence in the tribunal’s upcoming ruling, which he believes will uphold his election victory. He also called on Edo people to stay hopeful and support the new administration, promising to focus on progress, transparency, and rebuilding trust with the state’s residents.
