The Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, whose term ends tomorrow, has debunked rumors that he fled Nigeria.
Obaseki confirmed that he is currently in Lagos.
This comes in response to claims made by Governor-elect Senator Monday Okpebholo, who implied that Obaseki may have exited the country through a land border to avoid legal scrutiny.
Speculation intensified after Okpebholo alleged that the outgoing governor had secretly left the country to evade investigations, particularly by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Okpebholo, who is set to assume office on Tuesday, has repeatedly insinuated that Obaseki’s departure could shield him from legal probes.
The incoming governor’s accusations began with a statement issued on Sunday by his media aide, Godspower Inegbe, which claimed Obaseki had “disappeared” from the Edo State Government House by Friday.
Okpebholo further stated that Obaseki allegedly ordered the evacuation of staff, with reports suggesting he had left via a bus, avoiding the airport to make a discreet exit.
“As of Friday, November 8, the whereabouts of Obaseki were unknown. He has chased everyone out of Edo State Government House. He has abandoned governance and is on the run,” Okpebholo’s statement read. “He escaped through the road out of Benin, avoiding the airport. If he is as popular as he claims, why did he not use the airport? He hired a bus and disguised himself while escaping.”
Despite these claims, sources close to the governor confirmed that Obaseki is indeed in Lagos.
One source, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, “Obaseki did not flee Nigeria; it’s a lie. He is in Lagos right now, so there is no truth to the claim made by the governor-elect.”
Governor Obaseki has served Edo State since 2016, initially under the All Progressives Congress (APC) before defecting to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
