Edo State Governor-Elect, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has advised outgoing Governor Godwin Obaseki to seek psychiatric evaluation following recent public statements and actions he describes as “disturbing.” In a statement on Sunday, Okpebholo, represented by his spokesperson Godspower Inegbe, expressed concern over Obaseki’s alleged behavior and questioned his state of mind.
Okpebholo’s statement also raised an alert regarding Obaseki’s whereabouts, noting that the outgoing governor reportedly cleared out the Government House on Friday and fled Benin City in a disguised bus. “Obaseki has abandoned governance and is on the run. He escaped by road instead of using the airport, where he would be recognized,” the statement claimed, further asserting that Obaseki is attempting to deflect attention from plans to leave the country.
In response to Obaseki’s assertions that he was not invited to Okpebholo’s upcoming inauguration and that the governor-elect’s mandate was stolen, Okpebholo dismissed these as “baseless and diversionary.” He emphasized that he won the election decisively, with validation pending from the tribunal. “The tribunal will soon confirm that Obaseki’s unfounded accusations hold no ground,” Okpebholo stated, warning Obaseki of legal consequences if he continues making unverified claims.
Addressing Obaseki’s allegations of being excluded from the inauguration and obstructed from participating in the transition, Okpebholo deemed them “absurd and questionable.” He asserted that Obaseki has yet to extend any formal invitation for a meeting or Government House tour. “Since the election, Obaseki has used every opportunity to hinder a peaceful transfer of power,” he said, encouraging Edo residents to disregard Obaseki’s statements and support the new administration’s vision for progress.
Okpebholo concluded by urging Obaseki to reflect on his tenure and warned that, upon losing immunity, the outgoing governor may face legal scrutiny for his claims and alleged misappropriation of state resources.
