Benin, Edo – In a bold move underscoring its commitment to accountability and the recovery of public resources, the Edo State Government has handed down a seven-day ultimatum to former Deputy Governor Godwin Omobayo, demanding the immediate return of all state-owned vehicles, documents, and other assets still in his possession.

The directive, issued Tuesday, comes amid ongoing efforts by the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo to reclaim assets allegedly misappropriated or retained from the previous regime.

Officials described Omobayo's tenure as "brief and illegitimate," a reference to the tumultuous political saga that saw him sworn in as deputy in April 2024 following the impeachment of his predecessor, Philip Shaibu. That impeachment was later voided by a Federal High Court in Abuja, leading to prolonged legal battles over the legitimacy of Omobayo's role, which extended into late 2024.

With Obaseki's term ending on November 12, 2024, and Okpebholo assuming office shortly thereafter, the new government has wasted no time in addressing lingering issues of public property.

According to the official statement from the state government, multiple formal reminders have gone unheeded, prompting this escalated response.

"The continued retention of such property by any individual constitutes a clear breach of public trust and an unlawful possession of state assets," the release stated, emphasizing that all items acquired or utilized during public service belong unequivocally to the people of Edo State.

Omobayo, a former Labour Party chieftain who aligned with the People's Democratic Party (PDP) under ex-Governor Godwin Obaseki, has been ordered to surrender the assets to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government within seven days from today.

Failure to comply, the government warned, will trigger swift action: "The Government will direct the Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, to effect his arrest and ensure the immediate recovery of all State assets still in his possession through lawful means."

This ultimatum arrives against a backdrop of broader asset recovery initiatives by the Okpebholo administration. Just last week, on October 23, the government publicly vowed to reclaim "state-owned assets that were illegally acquired or sold by the immediate past administration," while also pledging investments in public healthcare.

The move echoes a similar high-profile demand issued in July 2024, when the then Obaseki-led government gave impeached deputy Philip Shaibu a seven-day notice to return a Toyota armored jeep and 21 other vehicles.

That episode highlighted the deep-seated rivalries within Edo's political landscape, including clashes between Obaseki and figures like Adams Oshiomhole.

Governor Okpebholo, who took office in November 2024 after a fiercely contested election, has positioned his administration as a bulwark against corruption.

"No individual, regardless of former position or political affiliation, will be permitted to unlawfully appropriate or retain assets belonging to the people of Edo State," the statement affirmed.

It further urged Omobayo "to respect this directive and avoid actions that could invite consequences or further embarrassment."

As of the time of this reporting, neither Omobayo nor his representatives have issued a public response to the ultimatum.

The government reiterated its dedication to "transparency, discipline, and integrity in public service," vowing to hold all former officials to the "highest standards of responsibility and probity."