Obaseki accuses Okpebholo of issuing threats, vows to defend himself

Former Edo State governor, Godwin Obaseki, has alleged that his successor, Governor Monday Okpebholo, is threatening him with violence and attempting to intimidate him over ongoing investigations into his administration.

Obaseki made the claims over the weekend while speaking at an event in London, United Kingdom.

Since taking office in November 2024, Governor Okpebholo has launched a series of reviews targeting decisions made during Obaseki’s two-term administration.

One of his first actions was the inauguration of a 14-member panel to examine assets, liabilities, contracts and major financial decisions executed under the previous government.

The governor later extended the probe to include civil service recruitment between May and November 2024, alleging irregularities in the hiring process.

Most recently, he called on the federal government to facilitate Obaseki’s return to Nigeria to respond to questions surrounding public funds linked to the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) project.

Speaking in London, Obaseki accused the current administration of orchestrating threats and sponsoring attempts to harass him abroad.

He claimed that individuals were sent to disrupt an event he attended in the UK and said the actions amounted to political intimidation.

“Those who live by the sword will die by the sword. I don’t know the governor; I have never met him. But if you start with violence, you will reap violence,” Obaseki said.

The former governor said he had refrained from public commentary since leaving office and had chosen to allow his successor time to govern.

He accused the state government of being responsible for an alleged attack on diplomats during an exhibition at MOWAA and of sponsoring another attempt to disrupt his engagement in Manchester.

“Who has started this violence? Is it me?. Last week, the governor held a press conference in which he warned me not to return to Benin. They have been issuing threats, and if I respond, no one should hold me responsible,” he said.

Obaseki added that he would defend himself if necessary, insisting he was not the aggressor.

“I cannot leave myself open to harm. So I will fight back. I did not start this; they are simply afraid,” he said.

Governor Okpebholo has yet to respond publicly to the allegations.

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