Former Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki has claimed his successor, Monday Okpebholo is threatening him with violence but cannot stop him from entering the state.

He vowed to resist such threats.

Obaseki spoke at an event in London over the weekend, in reaction to Okpebholo’s assertion that the ex-governor would not come into Edo because he is not loved by the people of the state.

Okpebholo had said in an interview that Edo had decided to align with President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027 because of the president’s giant strides in the state.

He noted that Obaseki would not dare to enter the state to campaign for anyone else as he risked incurring the wrath of the people.

Okpebholo said, “Everybody is for Asiwaju, who is Obaseki? Does he have one anywhere here? Let him come here now. He cannot come. His poor record will prevent him from going to Edo.

“Obaseki dares not come here. If Asiwaju does not win his re-election, I will resign as a governor.”

Reacting, Obaseki alleged that Okpebholo had been threatening him with violence, and even sent thugs to attack him in Manchester.

He said, “Those who live by the sword will die by the sword.

“And to tell the governor, Okpebholo, I don’t know him; I have never met him. When you start with violence, you will reap violence.”

The ex-governor noted that he had deliberately avoided making any comments about his successor to “allow him to shine”.

Obaseki said, “For one year since I left office, I didn’t say one word. I decided to respect myself and allow them to try [in governance] as well. Go and find out, you won’t see one thing I said about his government.”

He maintained that Okpebholo could not stop him from entering the state whenever he liked.

He said, “This week, this governor had a disgraceful press conference, where he was threatening me. Somebody born in Oredo. This is a villager threatening me that I cannot come to Benin, and that when I come, he will show me. Me! When I am ready to go, we will all come. This is an insult.” (SUN)