Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has reaffirmed his intention to launch a full-scale investigation into the administration of his predecessor, Godwin Obaseki, who served from 2016 to 2024.
Speaking on Friday during a victory parade held at the Government House in Benin City, the newly elected governor—who ran on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC)—told party leaders, civil servants, market women, youth groups, and other stakeholders that a Commission of Inquiry will soon be established to scrutinize the financial records and governance practices of the previous administration.
“I will open the books to check the financial dealings and how Obaseki governed Edo State in the last eight years,” Okpebholo declared. “A university in this state received N47 million under Obaseki’s administration, while he paid a consultant N51 million. This was not good enough. They wanted to continue with this act, but God helped us to push them out.”
The governor emphasized that his administration has maintained continuity within the civil service, highlighting that he has not dismissed any staff since taking office.
“The Head of Service during Obaseki’s administration is still working with me, so also with a lot of Permanent Secretaries in the civil service,” he added.
Governor Okpebholo also hinted that key officials from the past administration—particularly those who handled state finances and policies—would be questioned regarding their stewardship and handling of public resources.
He specifically called out Asue Ighodalo, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the just-concluded election, accusing him and his party of stockpiling funds for electoral purposes and litigation.
Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa echoed Okpebholo’s sentiments, praising his leadership and legal tenacity throughout the election dispute. “Now is the time to focus and work for the Edo people,” Idahosa stated.
Also present at the event was former deputy governor Comrade Philip Shaibu, who congratulated Okpebholo and described his emergence as governor as a divine intervention. “This is the time to work. Edo people will be grateful they voted for Senator Monday Okpebholo,” Shaibu said.
The governor’s bold remarks have sparked strong reactions across Edo’s political landscape, setting the tone for what may become one of the most scrutinized transitions in the state’s recent history.
