Edo government gives former Deputy Governor one week to return state assets

The Edo State Government has given former deputy governor Godwin Omobayo a one-week ultimatum to return all government property and assets still in his possession.

Omobayo was sworn in on April 8, 2024, by Chief Judge Daniel Okungbowa after being nominated by former Governor Godwin Obaseki, following a fallout with then–deputy governor Phillip Shaibu. However, Shaibu was later reinstated by the state House of Assembly, rendering Omobayo’s brief tenure illegitimate.

In a statement on Tuesday, October 28, Governor Monday Okpebholo’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, said all official items used or acquired by Omobayo during his short period in office remain the property of the state and must be returned immediately.

“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 to the appropriate authorities, despite multiple formal reminders,” the statement read.

Itua described Omobayo’s continued possession of the property as “a clear breach of public trust and unlawful possession of state assets.” He reiterated that all government assets must be returned upon leaving office, regardless of tenure or political circumstances.

“Accordingly, Mr Omobayo is hereby given a period of 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 added.

The government warned that failure to comply within the stipulated time would lead to the Edo State Commissioner of Police being directed to arrest Omobayo and recover all state property through lawful means.

Itua further noted that the administration would not tolerate any act of impunity. “No individual, regardless of former position or political affiliation, will be permitted to unlawfully appropriate or retain assets belonging to the people of Edo State,” he said.

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