Edo gov-elect says Obaseki has fled, whereabouts unknown

Edo gov-elect says Obaseki has fled, whereabouts unknown

Edo State’s incoming Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has alleged that the outgoing governor, Godwin Obaseki, has exited Edo via land borders ahead of his official handover.

With Okpebholo’s swearing-in ceremony set for Tuesday, Obaseki’s immunity as governor will end upon his departure from office.

In recent remarks, Obaseki had mentioned that he had received information suggesting the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) might be preparing to arrest him after his tenure concludes.

On Sunday, a statement released by Okpebholo’s media aide, Godspower Inegbe, expressed public concern over what he described as Obaseki’s “reckless statements.” The governor-elect noted that Obaseki’s recent movements raised questions, claiming he fled Benin City on Friday in a covert manner, using a disguised bus.

The statement further alleged that Obaseki ordered the Government House evacuated on Friday before leaving for an undisclosed destination, more than three days before his tenure ends.

“By Friday, November 8, Obaseki’s whereabouts were unknown. He cleared out the Government House, abandoned governance, and left through road transport rather than the airport. If he is as popular as he claims, why avoid the airport? He opted for a bus and left Edo State under disguise,” the statement read.

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On Saturday, Obaseki asserted that he was not invited to Okpebholo’s inauguration. Okpebholo’s statement also accused Obaseki of mishandling public funds during his term.

According to Okpebholo, “Obaseki claims Senator Monday Okpebholo stole the mandate given to him by the people. In an attempt to change the narrative, he is creating a dangerous precedent.”

Okpebholo affirmed his election win and said the tribunal would uphold the result, stating that Obaseki would be held accountable for his statements.

“The governor-elect won the September 21 election decisively, and Edo voters rejected the proposed continuation of Obaseki’s administration through his ally, Asue Ighodalo,” he added.

Okpebholo claimed that Obaseki’s recent comments aimed to influence the tribunal’s judgment on the ongoing electoral case. However, he expressed confidence that Obaseki’s efforts would fail.

“The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is contesting the election result in court. Obaseki appears to be attempting to sway the tribunal’s outcome with repeated false claims. But the PDP’s case will not stand,” Okpebholo stated.

He cautioned Obaseki against further misrepresentation, reminding him of potential consequences once his immunity expires.

“Senator Okpebholo is a man of peace, but we won’t allow the truth of September 21 to be misrepresented. When his immunity ends, Obaseki will have to face the law if he continues with his baseless accusations,” Okpebholo’s statement concluded.

Edo gov-elect says Obaseki has fled, whereabouts unknown