The Edo State Government and former Deputy Governor, Hon. Marvelous Omobayo, have traded words over a directive from the state government ordering him to return all government property in his possession within seven days.
In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Fred Itua, the government accused Omobayo of holding on to several official items, including vehicles, documents, and other state-owned assets, despite repeated reminders.
According to the statement, “All assets acquired or utilised in the course of public service remain the property of the State and must be returned upon cessation of office. The continued retention of such property constitutes a breach of public trust and unlawful possession of state assets.”
The government warned that failure to comply within the stipulated one week would lead to Omobayo’s arrest and recovery of the assets through lawful means, adding that no individual, regardless of position or political ties, would be allowed to retain property belonging to the people of Edo State.
Reacting, Omobayo dismissed the government’s claim, describing it as inappropriate and subjudice since issues surrounding his tenure are before the court.
He faulted the government’s reference to him as an “illegal deputy governor,” noting that the same administration paid him and his aides their November 2024 emoluments.
“The issue is in court, so I won’t comment much,” Omobayo said. “But calling me an illegal deputy governor is out of place. The state government should check their records — they paid me and my aides our salaries for the 11 days we worked in November 2024 before leaving office.”
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