‘Don’t Probe Obaseki’ – Wike Warns Edo Governor Okpebholo Against Political Vengeance
🗓️ 16 July 2025
🖋️ Byline: IDNN Governance & Power Politics Desk
Benin City, Edo State – Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has warned Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo against initiating a probe into his predecessor, Godwin Obaseki, urging him to focus on governance and economic development.
Wike’s caution follows public calls by former Governor Adams Oshiomhole for Okpebholo to investigate Obaseki’s financial dealings, including his involvement in a controversial state-backed hotel project and various high-cost road contracts.
“If there is anyone who should be angry enough to demand a probe of Obaseki, it should be me,” Wike said in a statement released Monday by his media aide, Lere Olayinka.
“But governance is not about revenge. Let them carry their wahala and go.”
Backstory: The Fallout Triangle
Obaseki’s rise to power in 2016 was backed by Oshiomhole, who later turned into his fiercest critic. During the 2020 election, Wike became Obaseki’s political savior after he defected to the PDP. But even Wike later fell out with Obaseki, backing Okpebholo’s victory in the 2024 Edo governorship race.
Now, as Okpebholo prepares to launch a Commission of Inquiry, Wike has intervened — not to defend Obaseki, but to discourage political witch-hunting.
“Life is too short. I know what I went through because of Obaseki, but let the past be past,” Wike said.
Oshiomhole Demands Action
During a recent victory rally, Senator Adams Oshiomhole told Okpebholo that the time had come to revisit alleged financial irregularities under Obaseki.
“Tens of billions were spent on that hotel. Now they say it’s a minority shareholding? Obaseki must come out of hiding,” Oshiomhole said.
He also pointed to inflated road contracts and other state expenditures that he described as “highly questionable.”
Okpebholo responded that a commission of inquiry was under consideration, telling party loyalists and civil society groups that “transparency would be a cornerstone” of his administration.
Wike’s Olive Branch – and a Confession
Wike, however, stunned observers by publicly apologizing to Oshiomhole for backing Obaseki in 2020 and admitted to “humiliating” the APC stalwart during the PDP’s power tussle.
“I apologise on national television. Leader, I know the pain you went through. I was part of it. I humiliated you, but God has reversed it,” Wike said.
“I urge Okpebholo — focus on the people. Edo needs roads, jobs, and governance — not more political conflict.”
Analysts React
Political analysts see Wike’s message as an attempt to cement his own statesmanlike posture, projecting himself as a reconciliatory figure while also shielding himself from past political contradictions.
“Wike was both Obaseki’s savior and later his undoing. This is Wike playing cleanup,” said governance analyst Deji Orobosa.
“But the big question is: Will Okpebholo listen?”