By John Umeh
In a fiery and politically charged statement following the recent Supreme Court judgment, former Edo State Governor and APC chieftain, Adams Oshiomhole, has openly called for a full-scale probe into the administration of his successor, Governor Godwin Obaseki. Oshiomhole declared that the time for shielding and evasion is over, insisting that Obaseki must now come forward to answer critical questions about his stewardship over the past eight years.
Speaking to reporters shortly after the apex court dismissed the APC’s petition challenging Obaseki’s eligibility and re-election, Oshiomhole acknowledged the ruling but said it does not erase the “real questions” surrounding the Obaseki government’s activities. “Let no one be deceived by court technicalities. The issues of accountability, transparency, and governance remain unresolved,” Oshiomhole stated. “No more shielding, no more hiding. Obaseki must now give an account to the people of Edo State.”
A Longstanding Feud Rekindled
The fallout between Oshiomhole and Obaseki, once allies in Edo’s political landscape, is no secret. Oshiomhole played a central role in Obaseki’s emergence as governor in 2016, only for their relationship to deteriorate spectacularly before the 2020 gubernatorial election. That election saw Obaseki defect to the PDP and secure a second term, defeating Oshiomhole’s anointed candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu.
Since then, tensions have remained high. However, with the Supreme Court’s latest ruling putting a legal full stop to the dispute over Obaseki’s qualification, Oshiomhole appears to be shifting the battlefield from electoral legitimacy to the realm of public accountability.
Fresh Allegations and a Call for Transparency
In his recent remarks, Oshiomhole hinted at what he called “monumental misuse of state resources” and “unfulfilled promises masked by propaganda.” While he stopped short of naming specific contracts or policies, he called on anti-corruption agencies—such as the EFCC and ICPC—to step in and conduct an independent audit of Obaseki’s administration.
“We cannot claim to be a democracy if we allow governors to serve for eight years without submitting themselves to any form of scrutiny,” he said. “There are too many unanswered questions—projects awarded without execution, inflated budgets, and state resources allegedly diverted for personal political gains.”
Oshiomhole maintained that his demand was not driven by personal vendetta but by a sense of duty to Edo people. “This is not about Adams Oshiomhole. This is about the integrity of public office in Edo State. If Obaseki believes he has done well, he should welcome a probe.”
Obaseki Camp Fires Back
Expectedly, Oshiomhole’s comments have sparked backlash from the Obaseki camp. A senior aide to the governor, who asked not to be named, described Oshiomhole’s call as “a desperate attempt to stay politically relevant.” The aide argued that Obaseki has consistently run a transparent government, citing reforms in civil service digitization, health insurance, and the EdoBEST education program.
“Governor Obaseki will not be distracted by bitter voices from the past,” the aide said. “He’s focused on delivering on his final term mandate and won’t stoop to respond to recycled accusations.”
What Comes Next?
Whether federal anti-corruption agencies will act on Oshiomhole’s call remains to be seen. However, analysts believe that the former APC National Chairman’s renewed offensive could reopen political wounds in Edo State and potentially set the stage for a renewed clash of titans in the lead-up to the next political cycle.
For now, Oshiomhole has drawn a new battle line. “The people deserve answers,” he said. “Obaseki must speak up. No more hiding. No more shielding.”
The Edo political drama, it seems, is far from over.
