“I’ve Not Been Invited For Inauguration Of My Successor” – Edo Gov Obaseki

By Ayodele Oni

Edo state Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has  shed the light on the inauguration of his successor, Monday Okpebholo scheduled to hold on Tuesday.

According to him, the ceremony is purely that of the All Progressives Congress, (APC) and the governor elect.

He stated that even inputs of the outgoing administration were jettisioned and that he has not been invited for the ceremony.

Obaseki, who became governor in 2016, will hand over to Okpebholo on November 12, 2024.

Okpebholo defeated Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), in the September 21 governorship election.

Speaking on Friday while swearing in the caretaker committee of the PDP in the state, Obaseki said the APC has not invited him to the inauguration.

Obaseki described the APC’s action as lawless, adding that the state government is supposed to be in charge of the programme.

“Somebody has to be sworn in. Sworn into a government that exists. You just don’t come from nowhere and start a government. There is already a government. There is a way things are done.

“The government of Edo state is inaugurating a new governor on Tuesday. But what you are seeing now… all the posters. The government of Edo state is not involved.

“So, it is crazy when people just behave the way they are behaving as if there are no laws in the country. I just sit down sometimes and wonder.

“Are we okay as a country? We are guided by the constitution. We are guided by laws and precedents and procedures.

“So, they are doing inauguration, I as a governor don’t know. Not even been invited. So, it is like they are starting a brand new state and government.”