Edo Gov Okpebholo gifts SUVs to defecting acting LG chairmen amid political shakeup

Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo on Saturday handed over 17 brand-new 2025-model SUVs to the acting chairmen of 17 out of the state’s 18 local government areas (LGAs), marking a controversial development in the state’s political landscape.

The beneficiaries, formerly elected under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), recently spearheaded the impeachment of sitting council chairmen and deputies—a move widely criticized as politically motivated. Following the impeachments, the acting chairmen defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Conspicuously absent from the handover was Dr. Tom Obaseki, chairman of Oredo Local Government, who reportedly resisted the impeachment wave. Sources say he was allegedly dismissed, fueling further speculation about targeted political retaliation.

A statement signed by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, confirmed that Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa and other senior officials were present alongside Governor Okpebholo at the handover ceremony held in Benin City.

At the event, Governor Okpebholo reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to respecting the financial autonomy of local governments, assuring that council funds would remain untouched.

He criticised the previous administration for marginalising the local government system and emphasised his government’s commitment to grassroots empowerment through initiatives such as providing new official vehicles.

“We allowed councils to drive development at the grassroots without constraints,” he said.

Describing the SUV provision as a symbol of progress, the governor expressed gratitude, stating, “I thank God that our chairmen can now ride brand new vehicles,” and noted this milestone as a positive indicator of Edo’s development trajectory.

He also credited the wider transformation in the state to President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, adding that Edo is poised to compete with major cities like Lagos and Abuja in terms of advancement.

Okpebholo stressed that the SUVs are strictly for official duties. “The SUVs are not for personal use but strictly for public service,” he warned, adding that monitoring systems would be put in place to ensure accountability.

He further noted that local government performances would be measured by tangible outcomes aligned with their budgets.

Commissioner for Local Government, Lucky Eseigbe, praised Governor Okpebholo for championing accountability and protecting the autonomy of local councils.

He highlighted recent local government achievements, including the construction of new classrooms, roads, and health centres across the state.

“This is the first time in Edo’s history that brand new SUVs 2025 model were purchased for all local government chairmen,” Eseigbe stated.