The Edo State Government has issued a one-week ultimatum to former deputy governor Marvellous Omobayo, directing him to return all government property and assets still in his possession.
In a statement released on Tuesday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Fred Itua, the government accused Omobayo of holding onto official vehicles, documents, and other state-owned assets nearly a year after leaving office.
Omobayo was appointed deputy governor on April 8, 2024, by then-Governor Godwin Obaseki, following the impeachment of his former deputy, Philip Shaibu. However, Shaibu’s subsequent reinstatement rendered Omobayo’s tenure invalid, though he remained in office until the end of Obaseki’s administration later that year.
According to the statement, the current government led by Governor Monday Okpebholo expressed “dismay” over Omobayo’s alleged refusal to return public property despite “multiple formal reminders.”
“The government has observed with dismay that several official items, including vehicles, documents, and other state-owned assets assigned to Mr. Omobayo during his brief and illegitimate tenure, are yet to be surrendered,” Itua stated.
He described Omobayo’s continued possession of government assets as “a clear breach of public trust and unlawful retention of state property.”
“Accordingly, Mr. Omobayo is hereby given seven days from the date of this release to comply fully by returning all government property under his custody to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government,” the statement warned.
The government further cautioned that failure to comply would lead to enforcement action, including arrest and recovery of assets through the Nigeria Police Force.
“The Okpebholo administration will not permit anyone, regardless of former position or political affiliation, to unlawfully appropriate or retain assets belonging to the people of Edo State,” Itua added.
He stressed that the administration remains committed to accountability, due process, and the protection of public property.
However, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State swiftly reacted, accusing the Okpebholo government of waging a political vendetta against former Governor Obaseki and his associates.
Former Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, dismissed rumours that Obaseki was evading investigation, saying the former governor is currently on a fellowship in the United Kingdom.
“Obaseki is not on the run. His presence in Edo would only make the current governor uncomfortable. The APC-led administration is obsessed with discrediting its predecessor instead of governing,” Nehikhare said.
He also defended Obaseki’s record in office, claiming the former governor built over 1,300 kilometres of roads and implemented several institutional reforms.
Echoing this position, PDP Publicity Secretary Dan Osa-Ogbegie criticised the Okpebholo government for what he described as “propaganda and incompetence,” alleging that ongoing projects such as the flagship flyover “lack economic value.”
“Governance has stalled in Edo. The reforms under Obaseki in land administration, civil service, and urban renewal have been reversed,” Osa-Ogbegie said.
Governor Okpebholo, who assumed office in late 2024, has consistently maintained that his administration is focused on restoring transparency and accountability in the management of state resources.
Political observers note that the latest directive to Omobayo could further deepen tensions between the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) government and members of the former PDP-led administration.
