In a statement made available to journalists on Sunday, Okpebholo, through his media aide Godspower Inegbe, described Obaseki’s actions in recent days as reckless, further accusing him of abandoning governance and fleeing in an apparent bid to avoid potential legal consequences. According to the statement, Obaseki was reportedly seen leaving Benin City on Friday, November 8, in a disguised bus—well ahead of his formal departure from office. The statement also claims that Obaseki’s sudden disappearance has raised widespread concern among the people of Edo State, who have been left in the dark about his actions.
"On Friday, November 8, Governor Obaseki’s whereabouts became unknown after he ordered the evacuation of Government House and disappeared into hiding. He did not use the airport to leave the state, as one would expect from a popular figure, but instead used a disguised bus to escape through the land borders," Okpebholo’s statement reads. "We believe these actions are part of a larger effort to deflect attention from his alleged financial mismanagement and avoid facing the full consequences of his tenure."
Okpebholo's allegations come in the wake of Obaseki’s own claims earlier in the week, where he suggested that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was preparing to arrest him after the conclusion of his term as governor. The governor-elect, in response, has strongly dismissed Obaseki's narrative, accusing him of attempting to manipulate public perception ahead of the upcoming tribunal ruling on the Edo governorship election.
“Obaseki’s repeated false claims are a distraction,” said Okpebholo. “He continues to undermine the legitimate victory of the people of Edo, who chose me as their governor in the September 21 election. The tribunal will soon confirm what we all know—that my victory was decisive, and Obaseki’s attempt to rewrite history will fail.”
In addition to the claims of fleeing the state, Okpebholo also accused the outgoing governor of misappropriating public funds during his tenure, stating that Obaseki’s administration was marked by corruption and fiscal mismanagement. The governor-elect warned that Obaseki's continued falsehoods would not go unchallenged.
"As Governor-Elect, I am committed to bringing transparency and accountability to governance in Edo State. If Obaseki persists in spreading these baseless allegations, he will soon face the consequences of his actions once he loses his immunity," Okpebholo declared. "I am a man of peace, but I will not sit idly by while the truth is distorted."
The political tension between the outgoing and incoming governors has been palpable in recent weeks. Okpebholo, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has promised to rebuild Edo State’s economy, restore public trust, and hold former officials accountable for alleged corrupt practices. However, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), led by Obaseki, is challenging the election results in court, with the case expected to be heard soon.
While the dispute continues, Senator Okpebholo’s statement has raised eyebrows in the state, leaving many to question whether Obaseki’s sudden departure is part of a broader strategy to evade accountability for alleged financial improprieties.
As the political landscape in Edo continues to evolve, all eyes will be on the tribunal’s upcoming ruling and any further developments regarding the whereabouts and actions of the outgoing governor.
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