Okpebholo inherited abandoned Edo state, says Oshiomhole

Senator Adams Oshiomhole has said that Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, inherited an abandoned state, noting that the immediate past administration conducted numerous groundbreaking ceremonies for projects that yielded little.

Oshiomhole, a former governor of the state, made the remarks on Sunday in Benin while responding to claims by the Edo State Peoples Democratic Party that Okpebholo’s first year in office had been wasted.

He described it as unfortunate that “a dead party” that failed to deliver tangible results while in office could criticise a government executing visible projects.

“I don’t know why the media still quotes the PDP, which is a dead party. I urge journalists to rely on verifiable facts from events they cover across the state rather than statements that lack credibility.

“The PDP failed to deliver tangible results during its tenure, which was dominated by groundbreaking ceremonies that yielded little. In fact, Governor Okpebholo inherited an abandoned state, which he is repairing as fast as he can,” Oshiomhole said.

The senator highlighted that in just one year, Okpebholo has undertaken impactful projects, including the ongoing flyover construction at Ramat Park, aimed at easing congestion in a busy area of the state.

He stressed that the economic value of reduced travel time and lower fuel wastage cannot be overstated.

He added that numerous road projects under construction across Edo State demonstrate the administration’s commitment to development, dismissing suggestions that these projects are mere political propaganda.

On education, Oshiomhole accused the previous administration of neglect, claiming that many schools were left with few teachers and dilapidated facilities.

He noted that Okpebholo has begun rehabilitating schools and restoring conducive learning environments, while also recruiting 5,000 teachers.

Oshiomhole lauded increased funding for higher institutions, highlighting that Ambrose Alli University and Edo University, Iyamho, are now receiving restored or expanded subventions.

“I must commend Governor Okpebholo for raising AAU’s monthly subvention from ₦41 million to ₦500 million, which helped resolve long-standing academic disruptions. Edo University, Iyamho, now receives ₦250 million monthly, which is a strategic investment in higher education,” he said.

He also praised the governor’s humility, firm leadership, and ability to make tough decisions, noting that these qualities have restored discipline in government. “Governor Okpebholo has allowed his achievements to speak for him. Action speaks louder than words,” Oshiomhole added.

Speaking on federal issues, the senator explained that while his role in the National Assembly is national in scope, he remains committed to advocating for key projects in Edo State.

He recalled prioritising the reconstruction of the Benin–Auchi–Okene road, which had deteriorated to the point where motorists were stranded for hours.

Oshiomhole said his first motion in the Senate sought urgent intervention on the road, and both he and Okpebholo pressed President Bola Tinubu to explore funding mechanisms beyond the annual budget.

He added that the road is now under construction and remains his foremost federal concern for Edo North.

PUNCH Online reported that Edo PDP Chairman, Dr Tony Aziegbemi, described Okpebholo’s first year as “wasted,” accusing the administration of policy paralysis, institutional decay, and economic mismanagement. Aziegbemi alleged that the government failed to sign Certificates of Occupancy, stalled private investment, and left local councils owing salaries and pensions.

Countering Okpebholo’s record, Aziegbemi claimed that while other states were consolidating reforms, driving innovation, and expanding growth, Edo had “tragically returned to the pre-Obaseki era, an age defined by ignorance, propaganda, and prebendal politics.”

He further alleged that the administration had destroyed EdoGIS, which he said had previously brought order and transparency to land administration.