The incoming Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has raised concerns about the outgoing Governor Godwin Obaseki’s recent absence, claiming the outgoing leader has been unaccounted for since Friday. This follows allegations from Obaseki that he was excluded from Okpebholo’s upcoming inauguration.
In a statement released Sunday by Okpebholo’s spokesperson, Godspower Inegbe, the Governor-elect expressed concerns over Obaseki’s conduct, noting that he has allegedly been unreachable for over 72 hours after reportedly leaving the Government House in Benin City in an unmarked vehicle. The statement alleges that Obaseki dismissed government staff before his departure and exited the city by road.
“Obaseki left the Government House and disappeared without notifying any official, abandoning governance just days before his term ends,” Okpebholo’s statement reads, claiming Obaseki’s recent comments are an attempt to distract the public from this abrupt departure. Okpebholo suggested that Obaseki’s criticisms are baseless and that he has resorted to “false narratives” to cloud the transition process.
Governor Obaseki had earlier accused Okpebholo of not inviting him to Tuesday’s inauguration and claimed that Okpebholo’s victory was illegitimate. Okpebholo’s team rebuffed these claims, stating Obaseki has not extended any official invitation for a transition meeting or tour of the Government House.
The statement added, “Obaseki’s repeated accusations are part of a continued effort to derail the peaceful handover of power,” adding that Okpebholo’s victory in the September 21 election was validated by Edo voters and would be confirmed by the tribunal.
Addressing the ongoing election tribunal, Okpebholo’s team condemned Obaseki’s actions, suggesting they are intended to influence tribunal proceedings by discrediting Okpebholo’s victory. “Obaseki’s unfounded statements are a desperate attempt to influence the tribunal’s outcome. He will soon lose his immunity, and we will take legal action if he continues with these accusations.”
The Governor-elect’s team encouraged Edo residents to support the incoming administration, assuring that Okpebholo is committed to restoring order and addressing state issues after years of what they described as “mismanagement.”
