Following serious allegations from the outgoing Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, about not being invited to the forthcoming inauguration of Senator Monday Okpebholo as the new Governor, Okpebholo responded on Sunday, claiming Obaseki has been missing since Friday and cannot be reached.
This unusual development has sparked concern over the current governor's location and the potential impact on a smooth transition of power in the state.
In a statement sent to journalists on Sunday, signed by his spokesperson Godspower Inegbe, Okpebholo described Edo residents’ growing concern over what he termed Obaseki’s irresponsible remarks and suggested the governor should reflect on his actions.
According to Okpebholo, Obaseki reportedly left Benin City on Friday in an unmarked bus, fleeing from the capital and abandoning governance over 72 hours before the end of his term.
“As of Friday, November 8, Obaseki’s whereabouts remain unknown. He has expelled everyone from the Edo State Government House, neglected his duties, and gone into hiding,” the statement read.
Okpebholo’s statement claimed that Obaseki deliberately avoided the airport, opting to escape by road in disguise. “If he were as popular as he claims, why would he not use the airport openly? Instead, he hired a bus and concealed his identity to exit Edo State,” the statement continued.
In a separate accusation on Saturday, Obaseki alleged that Senator Okpebholo did not invite him to the inauguration and baselessly claimed that Okpebholo’s election win was a “stolen mandate.”
The Governor-Elect dismissed these statements, asserting that Obaseki needs immediate attention due to his behavior since the election, which he claimed obstructed the peaceful handover process. Okpebholo noted that despite his electoral victory, Obaseki has not extended any formal invitation for a meeting or even a tour of the Government House.
“It’s laughable that Obaseki would claim no invitation to the inauguration,” Okpebholo stated, citing Obaseki’s alleged actions to hinder the transition of power. He questioned why the governor has not yet met with him or offered congratulations on the election outcome.
Okpebholo contended that Obaseki, in denial of his electoral loss, is using inflammatory statements to stir up dissent and influence the ongoing tribunal proceedings. He declared that the allegations will be addressed and disproved by the tribunal, reinforcing his confidence in his victory.
“Senator Okpebholo won the election decisively. Obaseki cannot evade responsibility for these misleading claims. He is still reeling from the electoral defeat, which was a clear mandate from Edo citizens rejecting a continuation of his administration,” Okpebholo remarked.
Warning of legal repercussions, Okpebholo advised Obaseki to cease making what he called “reckless allegations.” He reminded Edo people of the need to disregard Obaseki’s claims and to support the incoming administration, promising to address the state's challenges following Obaseki’s tenure.