Edo State Governor-elect, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has declared Governor Godwin Obaseki missing, citing his abrupt disappearance from Benin City amid growing public concerns.
In a statement released on Sunday, signed by Okpebholo’s media aide, Godspower Inegbe, Okpebholo alleged that Obaseki left Government House on Friday after clearing out staff and has since gone into hiding, sparking fears about his whereabouts.
According to Okpebholo, Obaseki reportedly fled the state capital in a disguised bus, avoiding the airport despite his claimed popularity.
The Governor-elect expressed that Edo residents are increasingly alarmed by what he termed as Obaseki’s “reckless statements” and called on him to reflect on his actions.
The statement further suggested that Obaseki might be attempting to leave the country through land borders, a claim Okpebholo connected to a series of recent public statements he believes are intended to deflect attention from these plans.
“As of Friday, November 8, Obaseki’s location is unknown,” Okpebholo’s statement read. “He has abandoned his duties and fled the state, avoiding the airport and instead using a disguised bus.”
Okpebholo also responded to Obaseki’s earlier comments regarding the upcoming inauguration, calling his claims “absurd.”
He alleged that Obaseki has made repeated attempts to disrupt the transition process and has not extended any formal invitation for a meeting or tour of Government House.
“Obaseki should show accountability, apologize to Edo people, and support a peaceful transfer of power instead of spreading falsehoods,” the statement concluded, urging Edo residents to disregard Obaseki’s remarks and support the incoming administration.