Okpebholo Accuses Obaseki of frustrating peaceful transfer of power in Edo

Edo Governor-elect, Monday Okpebholo, accused outgoing Governor Godwin Obaseki on Sunday of trying to obstruct a smooth transition of power ahead of Okpebholo’s swearing-in on Tuesday. Okpebholo’s comments came in response to Obaseki’s statement on Friday, in which the outgoing governor claimed he had not received an invitation to the inauguration ceremony scheduled for Tuesday.

The accusation was made in a statement signed by Okpebholo’s media aide, Godspower Inegbe, and shared with journalists in Abuja. Obaseki had previously alleged that the governor-elect and his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), were proceeding with the inauguration plans without consulting or involving the state government, calling the move unlawful.

In his response, Okpebholo criticized Obaseki’s remarks as reckless and unfounded. He pointed out that Obaseki’s statement was especially inappropriate considering the outgoing governor had not even bothered to congratulate his successor since the election concluded. Okpebholo’s statement read: “Obaseki’s claim that Senator Okpebholo did not invite him to the inauguration is laughable, absurd, and questionable. Since Okpebholo was declared the winner, Obaseki has done everything possible to hinder a peaceful transfer of power.”

Okpebholo further challenged Obaseki, asking if the outgoing governor had ever extended an invitation to meet or tour the Government House with the incoming administration, which he believed would be the responsible action of a sitting governor. He also questioned if Obaseki had called to congratulate Okpebholo after his victory.

“We urge Edo people to disregard Obaseki’s reckless statements and to rally behind the incoming administration of Senator Okpebholo, which is committed to correcting the many wrongs of this government,” the statement continued.

Okpebholo also noted that Obaseki had been absent from the Government House for the past 72 hours, just days before his official departure from office.