The Edo State Government has given former deputy governor, Godwin Omobayo, seven days to return all government assets still in his possession.
The directive was contained in a statement on Tuesday by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Fred Itua, who said the items include vehicles, documents, and other official materials assigned to Omobayo during his tenure.
Omobayo, who was sworn in on April 8, 2024, by Chief Judge Daniel Okungbowa after being nominated by former Governor Godwin Obaseki, briefly occupied the office following the impeachment of Phillip Shaibu.
However, Shaibu was later reinstated by the court, rendering Omobayo’s tenure invalid.
According to the statement, “The government has observed with dismay that several official items, including vehicles, documents, and other state-owned assets assigned to Mr Omobayo during his brief and illegitimate tenure, are yet to be surrendered to the appropriate authorities, despite multiple formal reminders.
“The continued retention of such property constitutes a clear breach of public trust and unlawful possession of state assets.
“Accordingly, Mr Omobayo is hereby given a period of seven days from the date of this release to comply fully by returning all government property under his custody to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government.”
Itua added that failure to comply would compel the government to involve security agencies to recover the assets and ensure accountability.
He stressed that the Okpebholo administration remains committed to transparency, due process, and protection of public property, warning that no individual would be allowed to unlawfully retain state assets.