Benin City, Nigeria – The Edo State government has alleged that former Governor Godwin Obaseki, leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the impeached local government chairmen were involved in the mismanagement of local government funds totaling ₦96 billion.
Governor Monday Okpebholo disclosed this on Monday while receiving the report from the Administrative Panel of Inquiry set up on December 18, 2024, to investigate the financial activities of the 18 local government councils from September 4, 2023, to November 2024.
The panel, chaired by Barr. Solomon Imohiosen, revealed that ₦95 billion was allocated to the 18 local government councils from the Joint Allocation Account Committee (JAAC) during the period under review. However, it found no meaningful projects to justify the funds received. Additionally, ₦10.4 billion was allegedly siphoned through a scheme disguised under “Security, Environment, and Training.”
The report named former ALGON chairman Oghomwen Newman Ugiagbe and other individuals as key figures in the alleged mismanagement, stating that funds were funneled through private accounts and companies.
Governor Okpebholo commended the panel for its thorough investigation and vowed to take decisive action.
“We will ensure that those responsible are held accountable. The era of financial recklessness is over,” he stated. “I will personally deliver this report to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to ensure that justice is served.”
He also accused the previous administration of neglecting the people’s interests. “The former governor and his allies took Edo people for granted. They looted resources meant for development, and we will not allow this to continue,” Okpebholo added.
Former Governor Godwin Obaseki, through his aide Crusoe Osagie, dismissed the allegations as a politically motivated attack.
“Governor Okpebholo has no authority over local governments and cannot set up an investigation against elected officials,” Obaseki’s statement read. “His attempt to link Obaseki to these claims is a desperate move to justify his unconstitutional interference in local government administration.”
The statement further alleged that Okpebholo’s actions were politically driven, especially as his own election remains under legal scrutiny.
With the panel’s findings now public, the focus shifts to the EFCC’s response and whether legal proceedings will follow against those implicated. The case is expected to generate significant political and legal debate in the coming weeks.
