Wike Warns Okpebholo Against Probing Obaseki, Urges Focus on Edo’s Development

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has advised Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State to refrain from launching an investigation into his predecessor, Godwin Obaseki, and instead concentrate on advancing the state’s development agenda.

Wike’s appeal comes in response to remarks by former Edo State governor and current senator, Adams Oshiomhole, who had urged Okpebholo to scrutinize Obaseki’s administration. Oshiomhole, speaking at a victory event following a Supreme Court ruling, suggested that the governor should investigate allegations of financial irregularities, including questionable investments and road construction contracts under Obaseki’s tenure.

Governor Okpebholo, reacting to Oshiomhole’s speech, had pledged to establish a commission of inquiry to probe Obaseki’s handling of state resources. However, Wike countered this on Sunday, cautioning that such a probe could become a needless distraction.

Speaking during a visit to Benin—initially scheduled to inaugurate the second phase of the Benin Central Bus Terminal project—Wike, through a statement by his media aide, Lere Olayinka, stressed that, despite his personal fallout with Obaseki, governance should take precedence over retribution. “I’m the one who should have told you to probe him, given how he treated me after I supported his re-election. But let it go, move on, and develop Edo,” Wike said.

Wike also used the occasion to extend an apology to Oshiomhole for his past role in the political feud during Obaseki’s re-election. He admitted to having “humiliated” Oshiomhole during that period but expressed his remorse, urging all parties to set aside grievances and prioritize progress in Edo State.