Former Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has hit back at current Governor Monday Okpebholo, dismissing claims that he could be barred from entering Benin, the state capital.
The tension flared after Okpebholo asserted that Obaseki was “not loved by the people” and implied that the ex-governor would not be able to campaign in the state for anyone opposing President Bola Tinubu. Speaking over the weekend, Okpebholo praised Tinubu’s contributions to Edo and declared he would resign if the president failed to secure re-election in 2027. He further claimed that Obaseki’s administration had been unfair, even suggesting that the public—including children—would resist Obaseki’s influence.
“Everybody is for Asiwaju, who is Obaseki? Does he have one anywhere here? Let him come here now. He cannot come. His poor record will prevent him from going to Edo. Obaseki dares not come here. If Asiwaju does not win his re-election, I will resign as a governor,” Okpebholo said.
In response, Obaseki, in a viral video released on Monday, rejected the notion that he could be stopped. He referred to Okpebholo as “a man from a village in Edo” and asserted that he had left office without commenting on the current administration to allow it to succeed.
“When you start with violence, you will reap violence. For one year since I left office, I have not said a word on his government. I wanted to give them the opportunity to shine. Suddenly, he started attacking my personality and threatening me. That was enough,” Obaseki said, adding that Okpebholo’s threats during a recent press conference were insulting.
This is not the first clash between the two leaders. Earlier this year, the Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) criticized Okpebholo for taking credit for the construction of Temboga Road and other projects, which were completed during Obaseki’s tenure.
Chris Nehikhare, PDP’s state Publicity Secretary, described Okpebholo’s claims as “disingenuous and misleading,” emphasizing that Obaseki’s administration had already completed the projects. He urged the governor to focus on fulfilling his campaign promises rather than attempting to rewrite history.
As political tensions simmer in Edo, the public watches closely to see how the rivalry between the former and current governors will shape the state’s political landscape ahead of future elections.