The Edo State Government has given former deputy governor Godwin Omobayo seven days to return all government assets still in his possession.
Omobayo was sworn in on April 8, 2024, by Chief Judge Daniel Okungbowa after being nominated by then-Governor Godwin Obaseki following a political fallout with former deputy governor Philip Shaibu. However, Shaibu was later reinstated by the state House of Assembly, rendering Omobayo’s brief tenure invalid.
In a statement released 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 stint in office remain the property of the Edo State Government and must be returned immediately.
“The government has observed with concern that several official items — including vehicles, documents, and other state-owned assets — assigned to Mr. Omobayo during his brief and illegitimate tenure have not been returned, despite multiple formal reminders,” the statement read.
Itua described Omobayo’s continued possession of state property as “a clear breach of public trust and unlawful retention of government assets.” He stressed that every public officeholder, regardless of tenure or political circumstance, is required to return all government property upon leaving office.
“Accordingly, Mr. Omobayo is hereby given seven days from the date of this release to return all government assets 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 timeframe would result in the Edo State Commissioner of Police being directed to arrest Omobayo and recover all state assets through legal means.
Itua reaffirmed the administration’s zero-tolerance stance on impunity, stating:
“No individual, regardless of their former office or political affiliation, will be allowed to unlawfully appropriate or withhold property belonging to the people of Edo State.”
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