Outgoing Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki was recently sighted in Lagos, debunking claims by governor-elect Senator Monday Okpebholo that Obaseki had fled the country. Sources informed SaharaReporters on Sunday evening that Obaseki is currently in Lagos, countering Okpebholo’s assertion that the governor had escaped Nigeria through land borders.
Governor Obaseki, who has held office since 2016, originally came to power under the All Progressives Congress (APC) but later joined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The transfer of power is set for Tuesday, marking the end of Obaseki’s tenure and immunity. In recent statements, Obaseki mentioned hearing rumors of an impending arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) following the expiration of his immunity.
In a Sunday statement signed by his media aide, Godspower Inegbe, Okpebholo alleged that Obaseki’s whereabouts were unknown and accused him of abandoning his responsibilities. The statement claimed Obaseki left the Edo State Government House on Friday, November 8, reportedly leaving Benin by road and avoiding the airport to escape undetected.
“Obaseki has abandoned governance in the State and is on the run. If he is as popular as he claims, why did he not use the airport?” Okpebholo’s statement reads, further accusing Obaseki of attempting to distract the public.
However, sources contradicted these claims, reporting that Obaseki was indeed seen in Lagos, dismissing the allegations of an escape. On Saturday, Obaseki mentioned he had not been invited to Okpebholo’s inauguration, which is scheduled for Tuesday. In response, Okpebholo warned that Obaseki might face legal consequences if he continues to make what Okpebholo called “baseless claims.”