With less than two days before the handover in Edo State, tensions have escalated between outgoing Governor Godwin Obaseki and incoming Governor-elect Monday Okpebholo. Obaseki claimed he was not invited to the inauguration and alleged that the APC had borrowed between N2 billion and N5 billion to fund the ceremony. However, Okpebholo’s team refuted these claims, stating that Obaseki’s exclusion was self-imposed and accusing him of attempts to obstruct a smooth transition.
A statement from APC transition member Kassim Afegbua condemned Obaseki’s actions, describing them as tactics to hinder Okpebholo’s administration. Afegbua claimed that Obaseki was attempting to “plant landmines” along the transfer path and criticized the governor for allegedly removing government assets ahead of the inauguration. The statement emphasized that Okpebholo had opted to finance the event personally, stressing his intent to keep it moderate and avoid burdening public funds.
In response, the outgoing administration, through Governor Obaseki’s media aide Crusoe Osagie, rebuked Okpebholo’s team, accusing them of prioritizing spending sprees and disregarding government decorum in the handover. Osagie also criticized the APC for allegedly making extravagant commitments to vendors for the event, calling the anticipated inauguration expenses a mismanagement of state resources.
Both camps have been exchanging accusations since Okpebholo’s election win on September 21, with the PDP challenging the results in court. This ongoing rift underscores the lingering political divide as Edo State prepares for a new administration on November 12.
