Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has stated that he does not wish to be remembered for the numerous conflicts he faced during his tenure as governor.
He made these remarks while responding to questions from journalists after inaugurating the Airport Road Parks and Garden, where he outlined plans to ensure the garden’s long-term sustainability.
His comments come in the wake of the recent arrest of four state officials by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which the state government claims is an attempt to destabilize the administration just ten days before the handover to a new government.
Throughout his time in office, Obaseki has encountered various challenges, including battles with the political leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), where he first won election in 2016, and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to which he defected and won re-election in 2020. He also faced conflicts with his former deputy, Philip Shaibu, who was impeached but later reinstated by the court, as well as with 14 elected lawmakers who were not sworn in until the end of their tenure in 2023.
When asked how he would like to be remembered, Obaseki responded, “Certainly not for the fights.”
On ensuring the sustainability of the park project beyond his administration, he explained, “We developed a revenue model to support these public spaces. For instance, all revenue generated from billboards in the area will contribute to their management, and Prestige Hotel will also help sustain it. Additionally, the military has promised to assist with community security.”