Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has announced plans to investigate the administration of his predecessor, Godwin Obaseki, promising to establish a Commission of Inquiry to review the financial and administrative records of the past eight years.
Obaseki governed Edo State from 2016 to 2024 under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), before the party was ousted by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the last election.
Speaking on Friday during a victory parade at the Government House in Benin City, attended by party leaders, civil servants, youths, market women, and professional groups, Governor Okpebholo said his administration would “open the books” to ensure accountability.
“I will examine the financial dealings and governance style under Obaseki’s administration. For example, a university received just ₦47 million while a consultant was paid ₦51 million—this is unacceptable. They wanted to continue this pattern, but God helped us to put a stop to it,” the governor said.
Okpebholo emphasized that despite the political transition, he had not sacked any civil servants and retained several officials from the previous administration.
“The Head of Service and many permanent secretaries who served under Obaseki are still in office. This government is not about vengeance; it’s about accountability,” he added.
He noted that officials who held positions in Obaseki’s government would be called to account for their stewardship, declaring that the time had come to examine how Edo’s resources were managed.
“Edo people were tired of transactional politics and deceit. We will investigate their activities. I will take just two years and the people will see the difference,” he said. “They are done fighting us—now it’s time to fight back with the truth and ensure those who defrauded Edo people are brought to justice.”
Governor Okpebholo also alleged that the PDP and its candidate in the last governorship election, Asue Ighodalo, stockpiled funds to influence the courts.
“They kept money not just for the elections but also for court cases. They tried to buy judges but failed. God stood by us. The people voted for me and the courts—from the tribunal to the Supreme Court—affirmed my victory,” he declared.
Also speaking at the event, Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa expressed gratitude for the Supreme Court’s ruling and praised Governor Okpebholo for leading the party through the legal battles, saying it is now time to focus on governance and service delivery.
Former Deputy Governor, Comrade Philip Shaibu, also congratulated Okpebholo, urging the new administration to justify the people’s trust and deliver good governance.
