Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has established a 14-member State Assets Verification Committee to investigate the administration of his predecessor, Godwin Obaseki.

In a statement on Sunday, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Fred Itua, announced that the committee would be inaugurated on Tuesday, 26 November 2024, at Government House in Benin City. The panel will be chaired by Dr Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe.

“The formation of the State Assets Verification Committee underscores the governor’s commitment to placing Edo State on the path of development and ensuring accountable leadership,” the statement read. “Despite calls for a comprehensive record of assets and liabilities, the Obaseki administration provided only limited and insufficient information.”

The statement added that the committee’s establishment aligns with Governor Okpebholo’s campaign pledge to promote probity, accountability, and transparency in governance.

The committee is comprised of prominent Edo State indigenes, including Anslem Ojezua as deputy chairman and Frank Edebor as secretary. Other members are Kassim Afegbua, Patrick Ikhariale, Taiwo Akerele, Patrick Idiake, Rasaq Bello-Osagie, Fredrick Unopah, Abdallah Eugenia, Patrick Obahiagbon, Kenny Okojie, Lyndsey Tes-Sorae, and Abass Braimoh.

Governor Okpebholo had, during his inaugural speech on 12 November 2024, vowed to probe the exclusion of 14 lawmakers from the State House of Assembly in 2019. On Friday, he ordered an investigation into civil service recruitment conducted under Obaseki’s administration between May and November 2024.

“The committee will ensure that governance in Edo State is rooted in transparency and accountability, enabling the state to achieve sustainable development,” the statement concluded.