The Edo State Government has issued a stern warning to former deputy governor Godwin Omobayo, directing him to return all government property still in his possession within one week.
Omobayo, who was sworn in on April 8, 2024, by Chief Judge Daniel Okungbowa after being nominated by then Governor Godwin Obaseki, briefly held the position following Obaseki’s fallout with his former deputy, Phillip Shaibu. However, Shaibu was later reinstated by the State House of Assembly, rendering Omobayo’s short tenure invalid.
In a statement released on Tuesday, October 28, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Fred Itua, said the government had observed with concern that several official items assigned to Omobayo during his “brief and illegitimate tenure” had not been returned despite multiple formal reminders.
“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,” Itua said.
He described Omobayo’s continued possession of the property as “a clear breach of public trust and unlawful possession of state assets,” emphasizing that all government property 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 result in the Edo State Commissioner of Police being directed to arrest Omobayo and recover the property through lawful means.
Itua further stressed that the current administration would not tolerate acts 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.