BENIN CITY — In a move underscoring the Edo State Government's resolve to enforce accountability among former public officials, authorities have issued a stern warning to Mr. Godwin Omobayo, the erstwhile deputy governor, threatening his arrest if he fails to return government property and assets still in his possession months after leaving office. The development, announced on Tuesday in the state capital, highlights ongoing tensions in the transition of power and the administration's push for transparency in the management of public resources.
The statement, released by Mr. Fred Itua, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, detailed the government's growing frustration with Mr. Omobayo's alleged refusal to comply with repeated demands for the handover of official items. These include a fleet of vehicles, sensitive documents, and various other state-owned assets that were allocated to him during his tenure as deputy governor. According to the government, these items remain unlawfully retained, constituting what officials describe as a blatant breach of public trust and a violation of established legal protocols governing the exit of public office holders.
"The Edo State Government has observed with deep concern the continued possession of several official assets by Mr. Godwin Omobayo long after his departure from office," the statement read in part. It emphasized that such actions undermine the principles of good governance and set a dangerous precedent for future administrations. The government revealed that it had previously dispatched multiple formal reminders—official letters sent through appropriate channels—urging Mr. Omobayo to relinquish the items without delay. Despite these efforts, which spanned several weeks, there has been no meaningful response or compliance from the former deputy governor, prompting the escalation to an ultimatum.
Mr. Itua elaborated on the specifics of the directive, stating that Mr. Omobayo has been granted a final one-week grace period to surrender all implicated government property directly to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG). This office, a central administrative hub responsible for coordinating state affairs, has been designated as the official recipient to ensure proper documentation and inventory of the returned items. The ultimatum serves as a clear line in the sand, signaling the administration's intolerance for further delays.
Should Mr. Omobayo fail to adhere to this deadline, the government has vowed to invoke the full machinery of law enforcement. Specifically, the statement warned of the involvement of security agencies, with the Edo State Commissioner of Police being singled out as the primary authority to effect the arrest of the former deputy governor. The recovery process, officials assured, would proceed through due legal channels, ensuring that all assets are retrieved without undue disruption while upholding the rule of law. "We will not hesitate to direct the Commissioner of Police to arrest Mr. Omobayo and facilitate the recovery of these properties," Itua declared, adding that prosecution would follow for any individuals found complicit in the withholding of state resources.
This threat of arrest is not presented as an arbitrary measure but as a necessary step to deter what the government views as the unauthorized conversion of public property for personal gain. The statement reiterated that no one—regardless of their past stature, political connections, or affiliations—would be exempt from accountability. "The rule of law must prevail in Edo State," Itua asserted. "Those who flout it, including former high-ranking officials, will face the consequences, including legal action."
At the heart of this confrontation is Governor Monday Okpebholo's broader agenda to instill a culture of transparency, discipline, and prudent resource management in the state's governance framework. Since assuming office, the Okpebholo administration has positioned itself as a champion of reform, promising to break from perceived lapses of the past. The statement framed the demand on Mr. Omobayo as emblematic of this commitment, noting that every asset belonging to the people of Edo State must be meticulously accounted for to prevent misuse and ensure equitable distribution for public benefit.
"The Okpebholo-led government is committed to building a new Edo where impunity has no place," the press release affirmed. It highlighted the governor's vision for an administration where public officials, both current and former, are held to the highest standards of integrity. By pursuing this case aggressively, the government aims to send a resounding message to all stakeholders: state resources are sacrosanct and not subject to personal appropriation.
To provide context, Mr. Godwin Omobayo's tenure as deputy governor came to an abrupt end earlier this year, amid political realignments that saw the emergence of the current administration. During his time in office, he was entitled to various perks, including official vehicles for mobility, security details, and access to documents essential for discharging his duties. Standard protocols in Edo State, as in many Nigerian jurisdictions, require outgoing officials to conduct a comprehensive handover, returning all government-issued items upon vacating their positions. This process typically involves inventory checks, signed acknowledgments, and verification by relevant departments to close out the official's account with the state.
The government's frustration stems from the apparent disregard for these procedures. Months have elapsed since Mr. Omobayo's exit, yet key assets remain unaccounted for, raising questions about potential misuse or intentional retention. Vehicles, in particular, are high-value items that could be deployed for ongoing state operations, such as official transports or emergency responses. Documents, meanwhile, may contain critical information on policies, contracts, or administrative decisions that could impact continuity in governance.
Critics of the former deputy governor might argue that his actions reflect a broader pattern of entitlement among some political figures who view official perks as personal entitlements. Supporters, however, could counter that the demands might be politically motivated, given the charged atmosphere of post-election transitions in Edo State. The government, anticipating such narratives, has been careful to frame its actions within the bounds of legality and neutrality, emphasizing that the directive applies universally and is not targeted at any individual due to partisan differences.
Governor Okpebholo, who rode to power on promises of change and anti-corruption, has made accountability a cornerstone of his manifesto. This incident with Mr. Omobayo is one of several initiatives under his watch aimed at auditing and recovering state assets. Similar calls have been issued to other former officials in recent months, though none have escalated to the level of an arrest threat as swiftly as this one. The administration's proactive stance has garnered mixed reactions: praise from those who see it as a bold step toward fiscal responsibility, and skepticism from opposition quarters who view it as selective enforcement.
As the one-week ultimatum ticks down, all eyes are on Mr. Omobayo's next move. Will he comply and return the items, thereby averting a potential legal showdown? Or will defiance lead to his arrest, setting off a chain of events that could dominate headlines and further polarize the state's political landscape? Security agencies, including the police, have been placed on notice, with preparations reportedly underway to execute any warrants should the need arise.
In the broader scheme, this episode underscores the challenges of governance transitions in Nigeria, where handover processes are often fraught with disputes over assets and liabilities. Edo State, with its rich history and strategic importance in the South-South region, is no stranger to such dramas. The Okpebholo administration's handling of this matter could either bolster its reputation for firmness or invite accusations of overreach.
For now, the government remains resolute. "We are not in the business of witch-hunting, but we will not condone the pilfering of public property," Itua concluded in the statement. "Edo State belongs to its people, and their resources must be protected at all costs."
Residents of Benin City and beyond await the outcome, hopeful that this push for accountability will translate into tangible improvements in service delivery and infrastructure. Whether through voluntary compliance or enforced recovery, the return of these assets would mark a small but significant victory in the ongoing battle against waste and corruption in public office.
As the deadline approaches, the Edo State Government has made it clear that the era of leniency toward former officials is over. The full weight of the law, backed by a commitment to transparency, will be brought to bear to ensure that justice is served and public trust restored. This case, while centered on one individual, carries implications for the future of governance in the state, reinforcing the message that no one is above the law.
