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BENIN CITY, Nigeria — As Edo State prepares for a leadership transition, Governor Godwin Obaseki’s eight-year tenure officially draws to a close. On Friday, Obaseki dissolved his cabinet during a valedictory session at the Government House, marking the end of an administration that members lauded for turning Edo into a model state. The session was filled with gratitude, as officials reflected on strides made in education, infrastructure, and economic reforms.
However, the transition to Senator Monday Okpebholo’s incoming government has been fraught with tension. Obaseki’s valedictory session was celebratory, with cabinet members praising his leadership. But beyond the speeches and farewell dinner, the handover has sparked accusations from Okpebholo’s team, led by Prince Kassim Afegbua, who alleged deliberate obstruction by the outgoing administration.
Afegbua claimed the transition process has been marred by shifting budgetary responsibilities and a lack of coordination. In response to Obaseki's remarks about potential financial mismanagement by the All Progressives Congress (APC), Afegbua clarified that Okpebholo’s inauguration would be a modest affair, personally funded by the Governor-elect to avoid burdening state resources.
The friction highlights the complexities of political transitions, as both camps position themselves for the future. Obaseki’s administration emphasized its legacy of reforms, while Okpebholo’s team underscores fiscal discipline and service delivery as its priorities.
As Edo residents anticipate Tuesday's inauguration, the focus remains on ensuring a smooth transition and continuity in governance. The unfolding drama serves as a reminder of the challenges and opportunities that accompany leadership change, with both administrations vying to leave their mark on the state.
