The Edo State Government has issued a seven-day ultimatum to former Deputy Governor Godwin Omobayo to return all state-owned properties in his possession or face arrest and prosecution.
In a statement released in Benin City by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Fred Itua, the government said repeated efforts to recover vehicles, documents and other official materials allocated to Mr. Omobayo during his tenure had been ignored.
According to the release, the directive followed due process and aligns with the administration’s commitment to accountability and fiscal transparency. “All government assets remain the property of the people of Edo State and must be returned once a public officer leaves office,” the statement read.
The government warned that if Mr. Omobayo fails to comply by the end of the ultimatum, the matter will be handed over to the Commissioner of Police for enforcement and possible prosecution.
Insiders said the items in contention include vehicles from the deputy governor’s convoy, confidential documents, and furniture procured by the government.
This is the first major confrontation between Governor Okpebholo’s administration and members of the previous government since he assumed office in November 2024. It also signals a renewed push for asset recovery in Edo State amid ongoing efforts to audit the handover processes from the Obaseki era.
Mr. Omobayo, who served briefly following the impeachment of his predecessor, has yet to respond formally, but his associates insist the matter has political undertones.
