Obaseki’s Whereabouts Unknown, Says Edo Gov-elect Okpebholo

Edo State Governor-elect, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has raised concerns over what he described as the “bizarre public displays” of Governor Godwin Obaseki, claiming that the governor has disappeared from the state.

In a statement released to the media on Sunday, signed by Godspower Inegbe, Okpebholo expressed alarm over Obaseki’s actions, noting that many Edo residents are worried about his “reckless statements.” Okpebholo called on the outgoing governor to reflect on his actions and evaluate his state of mind.

The statement claimed that Obaseki fled Benin City, Edo State’s capital, in a disguised bus, days before his official departure from office. According to Okpebholo, Obaseki had ordered the evacuation of all staff from the Edo State Government House on Friday before leaving for an undisclosed location.

“On Friday, 8th November, Obaseki’s whereabouts were unknown. He chased everyone out of the Government House and abandoned his responsibilities. He escaped through the road, avoiding the airport. If he were as popular as he claims, why didn’t he use the airport? Instead, he hired a bus and disguised himself while fleeing the state,” Okpebholo’s statement read.

Okpebholo further accused Obaseki of trying to distract the public with false claims regarding his absence and alleged plans to leave the country through the land borders.

Obaseki, on the other hand, responded on Saturday, accusing Senator Okpebholo of not inviting him to his inauguration, scheduled for next Tuesday. The outgoing governor claimed that Okpebholo “stole” the mandate freely given to him by the people of Edo.

In response, Okpebholo asserted that he won the governorship election convincingly and that the tribunal would soon validate his victory. He dismissed Obaseki’s claims, saying they were part of an attempt to deflect attention from his defeat.

“Obaseki is still struggling to accept the reality of his loss. The people of Edo rejected him and his plans for a continuation of his government through his chosen successor, Asue Ighodalo,” Okpebholo said, mocking the governor’s unrelenting statements.

The Governor-elect also accused Obaseki of attempting to influence the ongoing tribunal case by making false public statements, stressing that such tactics would ultimately fail.

“The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is challenging the election outcome in court. Obaseki’s desperate attempts to influence the tribunal will not succeed. The tribunal will confirm that there is no case against me,” he stated.

Okpebholo also warned Obaseki against making false claims, reminding him that once his immunity expires, he will face legal consequences for any misrepresentations.

“Although I am a man of peace, I will not sit idly by while Obaseki continues to spread lies about the election outcome. Once he loses his immunity, he will face the full wrath of the law for his reckless claims,” Okpebholo said.

Reacting to Obaseki’s claim that he was not invited to the upcoming inauguration, Okpebholo dismissed it as “laughable, absurd, and questionable.” He further accused Obaseki of obstructing the peaceful transfer of power, saying the outgoing governor had failed to extend an invitation for any meeting or tour of the Government House since Okpebholo’s victory.

“As the sitting governor, Obaseki should tell Edo people if he has ever invited me to the Government House for a meeting or even to congratulate me. He should cover his face in shame for the mismanagement of state resources and apologize to the people for his failures over the past eight years,” Okpebholo concluded.

The Governor-elect called on Edo citizens to disregard Obaseki’s statements and support his administration, which he vowed would work to correct the perceived wrongs of the outgoing government.