Obaseki hands over to Okpebholo today, pardons 10 inmates

Outgoing Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, on Monday, granted pardon to 10 inmates with less than one year to serve their terms in correctional centres in the state.

Those pardoned were Igwe Kelechukwu, Esazobor Ohioze, Gift Osaretun, Takyi Rockson, Dikuar Friday, Ossai Glory, Augustine Sunday, Daulagha Ebifagha Godluck, James Paul and Anas Isah.

The pardon, in exercise of the governor’s prerogative of mercy, was contained in a statement by the Office of the Special Adviser, Media, Governor’s Office, headed by Crusoe Osagie.

Obaseki ended his tenure as governor on Monday and will today hand over power to the incoming governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo.

Okphebholo’s emergence came after his victory in the September 21, 2024 governorship election in the state, having defeated his closest rival and candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Asue Ighodalo.

Obaseki’s pardon of 10 inmates followed the request by the Chairman of the Edo State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy, Justice P.O. Isibor (retd).

The statement read, “Following the ending of His Excellency’s tenure, the council received a letter from the Benin Correctional Service, dated 5th day of November 2024, requesting for clemency for the inmates having less than one year to serve, forwarded to the council by the Controller of the Correctional Centre.

“The council convened a meeting where their applications were scrutinised and unanimously made appropriate recommendations.

“Mr Governor is respectfully invited to consider and approve the recommendations of the council.”

Meanwhile, the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City will come alive today (Tuesday) as the inauguration ceremony to usher in Okpebholo as the new governor of Edo State.

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Okpebholo becomes the fifth governor of the state since the Fourth Republic commenced in 1999.

Expectedly, all the All Progressives Congress governors will be in Benin, while the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio will lead members of the Red Chamber to the event to honour one of their own.

The deputy governor, Dennis Idahosa, who is a member of the House of Representatives, will also have the support of members of the Green Chamber, led by Tajudeen Abbas, the Speaker of the House.

On Monday, major streets around the stadium and Airport Road wore a new look.

A member of the inauguration committee who craved anonymity told The PUNCH that the party bigwigs are expected to be in town.

He noted that some arrived in Benin on Monday for the inauguration.

He stated, “It is true that the party bigwigs, including governors, senators and ministers will be in town for the event. Some have even arrived and many more will come in tomorrow.

“The people are also expected to come out en masse for the event that Okpehbolo is bankrolling. You know the governor does not like wasteful spending.”

However, the outgoing governor, Godwin Obaseki, who said he was not invited to the inauguration, may not be at the event.

“Well if he decides not to be there, no one can force him but that won’t stop the inauguration from taking place,” the inauguration committee member stated.