Governor Obaseki Not Invited to Okpebholo’s Inauguration

Recently, the All Progressives Congress (APC) transition committee announced that outgoing Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki was not invited to Senator Monday Okpebholo’s inauguration. This decision was based on concerns that Obaseki might attempt to disrupt the event.

Senator Monday Okpebholo, the APC’s chosen candidate, will succeed Obaseki, whose two terms in office conclude on November 12, 2024. Okpebholo won the governorship election held on September 21, 2024, defeating Asue Ighodalo from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and 15 other contenders.

Prince Kassim Afegbua, a member of the APC transition committee, criticized Obaseki in a statement, asserting that instead of focusing on a smooth transition, Obaseki was creating obstacles. He also refuted claims made by Obaseki regarding the alleged borrowing of funds for the inauguration.

Obaseki had expressed dissatisfaction about not being invited to the inauguration during the launch of the PDP’s caretaker committee. He claimed that the new administration intended to misuse state funds amidst this transfer, aiming to alter public perceptions during the holiday season.

“They are attempting to blow the N27 billion budget for projects and obligations, and they’ve also allegedly taken loans for the inauguration, which could cost them between N2 to N5 billion. They are proceeding with the event without inviting the current governor, as if beginning a completely new administration,” he remarked.

The APC transition committee responded by calling Obaseki’s comments absurd and self-incriminating. They pointed out that in other regions, it is customary for outgoing leaders to facilitate the inauguration of incoming officials. However, due to Obaseki’s election defeat, he and his allies were reportedly hindering the process.

“Obaseki has begun to recognize the fleeting nature of political power and engages in complaints regarding an inauguration from which he has been excluded. This is quite ironic considering his previous conduct,” they stated.

They emphasized that they have attempted to plan the inauguration harmoniously, despite facing numerous challenges from the outgoing governor.

“Even after our committee reached out to the Secretary of the State Government, we encountered a lack of resources and were told to submit a budget for the inauguration, which we rejected to avoid allegations of misusing funds,” said Afegbua.

He clarified that when their committee communicated this situation to the governor-elect, Okpebholo took it upon himself to fund the inauguration modestly, reflecting a commitment not to extravagance in light of the poverty experienced by many in Edo.

“We have not borrowed anything. Unlike Obaseki’s practices, we wish to be responsible in our governance to improve the lives of Edo citizens,” he insisted.

Afegbua raised concerns that numerous government vehicles are unaccounted for, claiming only one working vehicle remains in the Edo State Government House.

“Why should we incur debt for the inauguration, when most government vehicles are reportedly missing? Currently, only one operational vehicle is available. Is this indicative of a government committed to overseeing a successful inauguration?” he questioned.