Former Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki has accused the Edo State Government led by Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration, of sponsoring hoodlums to attack him during recent engagements in Manchester and Birmingham, United Kingdom.
Obaseki, who spoke during a public event in Birmingham on Saturday, alleged that officials loyal to the current Edo government had been “threatening, harassing, and physically confronting” him since he left office in November 2024.
In a fiery outburst, the former governor warned that he would no longer remain silent in the face of what he described as “state-backed intimidation.”
“Tell the governor, Okpebholo, or whatever he calls himself, that when you start with violence, you will reap violence,” Obaseki declared.
“The government paid people to come to Manchester to attack me, and they slapped Albert. I will not fold my hands while they attack me. I am going to fight back!”
Obaseki insisted he had maintained a one-year silence after leaving office, allowing the new administration to “settle in,” but claimed the government and unnamed palace interests escalated matters by allegedly orchestrating attacks on diplomats and issuing threats against him.
According to him, the latest provocation came after a caller from Oredo openly threatened him during a press conference hosted by Governor Okpebholo.
“Somebody phoned in, saying I cannot come to Benin, that when I come, he will show me,” Obaseki said.
“Me? I didn’t say I could not go to his village. He is the one threatening me. This shows their mental state.”
Obaseki further alleged that state-sponsored thugs attempted to disrupt his event in Birmingham.
“Look at who they sent to the bridge to disrupt this event, junkies,” he said. “They are afraid. They know they did not win the election.”
The former governor maintained that he was being pushed into self-defence, warning that those threatening or attacking him should not expect him to remain quiet.
“If I respond now, nobody should hold me responsible,” he said.
“I cannot leave myself open to be harmed by deranged people. I will fight back. I am giving them notice,” he added.
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