Benin City, November 10, 2024 — In a sharp escalation of the ongoing transition dispute, Edo State Governor-Elect, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has accused outgoing Governor Godwin Obaseki of undermining efforts for a peaceful transfer of power. Okpebholo claims that Obaseki has actively sought to disrupt the transition and has issued what he described as “reckless statements” that have left Edo State residents concerned. He urged Obaseki to “evaluate his state of mind” as the transition period reaches a critical phase.
In a statement issued by his media aide, Godspower Inegbe, Okpebholo further alleged that Obaseki’s claims of exclusion from the inauguration set for next Tuesday were “laughable, absurd, and questionable.” According to Inegbe, these assertions are baseless and appear to be part of a broader scheme to deflect from the governor’s alleged departure from the capital city under unusual circumstances.
Inegbe claimed that Obaseki abruptly vacated the Edo State Government House, reportedly ordering all government personnel to leave before his departure last Friday. “As of Friday, 8th of November, the whereabouts of Obaseki are unknown,” said Inegbe. “He chased everyone out of the Government House, abandoned governance, and fled using a disguised bus, possibly heading to an undisclosed location.”
The statement suggests that Obaseki may be attempting to leave the country via land borders. No formal response from Governor Obaseki or his aides has been issued regarding these accusations, leaving speculation rife as the inauguration date draws near. Observers are now questioning how the transition will proceed given the heightened tension between the incoming and outgoing administrations.