Okpebholo Heeds Oshiomhole’s Call, Commences Probe of Obaseki

BY Victoria otonyemeba
July 12, 2025
0 Comments
13 Views

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has announced plans to set up a Commission of Inquiry to probe the administration of his predecessor, Godwin Obaseki.

Okpebholo made this disclosure during a victory parade at the Government House in Benin City, where he thanked God for his Supreme Court victory and promised to deliver good governance in the next two years.

Senator Adams Oshiomhole had in the wake of the Supreme Court judgment which reaffirmed Okpebholo, asked him to prove Obaseki having secured the governorship seat.

The governor expressed concerns over the financial dealings of the previous administration, citing a particular instance where a consultant was paid N6 billion and an additional N2 billion for “ordinary software” for EdoGIS.

Okpebholo claimed his administration has developed its own software, sending the consultant packing and saving the state money.

Okpebholo emphasized that his administration will utilize the state’s human resources, contrary to Obaseki’s approach of hiring consultants. He stated, “Our civil servants are well-trained. We have the best brains in the state, but Godwin Obaseki used consultants instead of utilizing the human resources in the state.”

The Commission of Inquiry will investigate the financial dealings and governance of Obaseki’s administration over the past eight years. Okpebholo vowed to interrogate officials of the previous administration on their governance and bring to book those who cheated the state.

Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa commended Okpebholo for helping the party win various stages of court cases, stating it’s time to focus on working for the people of Edo State.

A former deputy governor, Philip Shaibu, thanked God for Okpebholo’s victory and emphasized the need for the new administration to deliver good governance.

The probe committee, comprising 14 members, will be inaugurated to verify the assets and liabilities of the Obaseki administration.

The committee’s work is expected to provide a clearer picture of Edo State’s financial and infrastructural status, enabling the Okpebholo administration to set a robust foundation for development.