‘Why Obaseki stayed away from Edo’

Associates of former Edo State governor Godwin Obaseki have dismissed speculations that he is on the run, explaining that his continued absence from the state since leaving office is a deliberate decision to give his successor, Governor Monday Okpebholo, the space to govern without distraction. Obaseki left Edo shortly before handing over on November 12, […]

Associates of former Edo State governor Godwin Obaseki have dismissed speculations that he is on the run, explaining that his continued absence from the state since leaving office is a deliberate decision to give his successor, Governor Monday Okpebholo, the space to govern without distraction.

Obaseki left Edo shortly before handing over on November 12, 2024, and has yet to return, sparking rumours that he fled the state to avoid possible investigations. But those close to him said the former governor is only allowing the new administration “the opportunity to prove its worth to the people of the state.”

“He is not on the run. If anybody, including the EFCC or ICPC, wants him, they can write to him, and he will respond to whatever they want,” former state Publicity Secretary Chris Nehikhare told journalists in Benin.

He explained that Obaseki’s decision to stay away was to avoid distracting the new administration or creating unnecessary comparisons between both governments.

“His presence in Edo would make Governor Okpebholo’s administration uncomfortable, as he doesn’t want the new governor to be judged daily against his own record of performance,” he added.

Nehikhare further disclosed that the former governor is currently undertaking a fellowship programme at a foreign university and has no political ambitions after completing his tenure.

“Obaseki is not coming back to Benin to run for Senate or any other position like other past governors. He has served at the highest level in Edo, and he intends to maintain that honour,” he said.