Oshiomhole demands Obaseki probe, urging Governor Okpebholo to investigate alleged mismanagement of funds in Edo’s Radisson Hotel project
Senator Adams Oshiomhole has publicly called on Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, to launch a full-scale investigation into the administration of his predecessor, Godwin Obaseki.
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The former governor made the demand during a political gathering in Benin City, shortly after the Supreme Court upheld Okpebholo’s electoral victory.
In a speech that quickly turned political, Oshiomhole said “Oshiomhole demands Obaseki probe” for allegedly mismanaging public funds in the controversial Radisson Hotel project.
According to him, the state invested heavily in the facility, only for the majority ownership to be ceded to a private company.
“Now that you have time, look at that hotel where Edo State money in tens of billions of dollars was taken,” Oshiomhole said. “And now we are told Edo is a minority shareholder.”
The project, initiated under Obaseki’s government, was intended to boost tourism and stimulate local economic growth.
However, critics have questioned both the financial transparency of the venture and the rationale behind the state holding only a minority stake despite being the main financier.
Oshiomhole urged Okpebholo not only to probe the hotel deal but also to examine infrastructure projects executed during the Obaseki administration.
“You now have time to revisit all the roads that were built and washed up, compared to the ones I did, which are still there,” he claimed.
He described accountability as a central part of the state’s “rescue” effort.
“To rescue means you must also investigate. How did we get here? So that in the future, nobody will get there,” he added.
The senator, who governed Edo State from 2008 to 2016, challenged Obaseki to return to the state and publicly walk the streets of Benin alongside other former governors.
“Let’s see who did what to affect the life of the people,” he said, suggesting that transparency and legacy should be open to public scrutiny.
During the event, Oshiomhole praised Okpebholo for uniting diverse factions within the state.
“It shows that beyond building roads and schools, we also have to build the unity of our people. This is critical,” he said.
He closed by invoking divine support for the current governor. “What God has put to stand, no man can bring down,” he said. “And when He gives you a job, He will not give you luggage that your neck cannot bear.”
The renewed focus on alleged corruption in Obaseki’s administration has sparked debate in Edo political circles, with growing pressure on Governor Okpebholo to take a firm stance on transparency and probe the past administration’s financial records.
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With Oshiomhole leading the charge and public sentiment heating up, Oshiomhole demands Obaseki probe may become a defining issue in Edo’s political narrative ahead of future elections.
