SCANDALOUS! ALL EDO GOVERNORS MUST RESIDE IN EDO STATE
In the past 34 years since the creation of Edo State in 1991, Edo has had 4 democratically elected Governors. All of them have been fully resident in Edo State except one, Godwin Obaseki. In fact, after service, all Edo ex governors still reside in Edo State except one, Godwin Obaseki.
As Governor for 8 years, it is claimed Godwin Obaseki brought good developments to Edo State.
Today, just one year into a new administration, it is unravelling that all the developments Obaseki did in Edo State was through his company Afri-invest. It seems like every other week Edos are asking the same questions about who owns Radisson Blu Hotel, Ossiomo power plant and now MOWAA Museum. The ownerships of everything he did in Edo state are marred in bogus controversies This is not a political witch hunt; this is just honest questions. Sadly, the man who built them is not at home to answer any questions, in fact, he is foreign to Edo State, he has never lived in Edo State and has no property there. He lives in Lagos, London and America and has no plans to live in Edo State.
It is now clear as day that the manoeuvrings from Lagos that were used to charm Oshiomhole in 2008 which persuaded him to make Godwin Obaseki Governor in 2016 was a carefully crafted business machine led by Godwin Obaseki and his investor friends to own Edo State. They came to sell Edo State to themselves, Godwin Obaseki, and Afri-invest. Rumours of his style of leadership and political fights were all smoke and mirrors. This is what was really happening as we have seen today. Godwin has delivered Edo State to his company of friends and investors in Lagos and maybe beyond.
I am glad Godwin Obaseki did not touch the Benin Moat, Gelegele seaport or any more Edo assets because we all know who would own them. All his projects should be deeply investigated, and the Edo Government can get help from the international community to do that. Even many Edos in diaspora have the capacity to audit Godwin Obaseki thoroughly.
This is not the same sycophancy, merry-go-round of gossip or social media backstabbing that Godwin Obaseki brought to Edo State 8 years ago, perhaps lending credence to this truth will help us.
Our Benin Monarch, Oba Ewuare II, is putting an end to this theft by tackling MOWAA. The international community is now aware and we Edos need to start looking at ourselves critically. How did this happen. The first correction is that all future Governors must have a house in Edo state, have been schooled in Edo State, their parents, family and friends must have and have lived in Edo State for many years. No more outsiders. None.
Lastly, let me address those referring to protesters at MOWAA museum as thugs and louts, they do not know what they are talking about. These critics are the ones embarrassing and disgracing themselves. There are protests everywhere in the world against things perceived as injustice. Yesterday protesters in Brazil disturbed the climate change summit full of EU delegates chanting “Our land and you cannot decide for us”. They even injured two security staff. You think they are worried about your rubbish embarrassment talk? It will be resolved.
Edos Worldwide, this time calls for us to really focus.
Long live the Benin Monarch
Obaghatorkpere Ise
The Editor