On his final day in office, outgoing Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki exercised his prerogative of mercy to pardon 10 inmates with less than a year remaining in their sentences at state correctional facilities. Those granted clemency include Igwe Kelechukwu, Esazobor Ohioze, Gift Osaretun, Takyi Rockson, Dikuar Friday, Ossai Glory, Augustine Sunday, Daulagha Ebifagha Godluck, James Paul, and Anas Isah.
The pardon was granted following a recommendation from the Edo State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy, led by Justice P.O. Isibor (retd), based on a clemency request from the Benin Correctional Service on November 5. The council reviewed the cases and advised the governor to extend leniency to the inmates. A statement issued by Crusoe Osagie, Special Adviser, Media, to the governor’s office, confirmed the clemency decision.
Today, the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City will host the inauguration ceremony for Edo State’s incoming governor, Monday Okpebholo, who succeeds Obaseki after winning the September 21, 2024 governorship election. Okpebholo, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, defeated his closest rival, PDP candidate Asue Ighodalo, to become Edo State’s fifth governor since the return of democracy in 1999.
In anticipation of the event, major streets around the stadium and Airport Road were freshly adorned. APC governors, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and other members of the National Assembly are expected to attend the ceremony. According to a member of the inauguration committee, party leaders and dignitaries began arriving in Benin on Monday.
The committee member, speaking anonymously, revealed, “The event will be well-attended, with governors, senators, and ministers in town. Some of them arrived yesterday, and more are expected today. The people are also anticipated to come out en masse for this occasion, which Okpebholo is personally funding to avoid unnecessary expenses.”
However, outgoing Governor Obaseki, who stated he was not invited, is unlikely to attend the inauguration. “If he chooses not to attend, the event will proceed as planned,” the committee member added.
