As Governor Godwin Obaseki ends his tenure in Edo State, he granted a special pardon to 10 inmates on Monday, November 12, 2024. These inmates, who each had less than a year left in their sentences, were forgiven as part of Obaseki’s use of the governor’s power of mercy. The inmates who received the pardon 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 came after a request from Justice P.O. Isibor (retd), Chairman of the Edo State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy. As Obaseki concludes his time in office, the decision is one of his last acts as governor.
The statement read, “Following the ending of His Excellency’s tenure, the council received a letter from the Benin Correctional Service, dated 5th day of November 2024, requesting for clemency for the inmates having less than one year to serve, forwarded to the council by the Controller of the Correctional Centre.
“The council convened a meeting where their applications were scrutinised and unanimously made appropriate recommendations.
“Mr Governor is respectfully invited to consider and approve the recommendations of the council.”
Today, November 13, 2024, the people of Edo State will witness the inauguration of their new governor, Monday Okpebholo. Okpebholo, who won the gubernatorial election in September 2024, will officially take over from Obaseki. The inauguration ceremony will take place at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City. The event is expected to attract many top political figures, including governors from the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and members of the House of Representatives, led by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas.
He stated, “It is true that the party bigwigs, including governors, senators and ministers will be in town for the event. Some have even arrived and many more will come in tomorrow.
“The people are also expected to come out en masse for the event that Okpehbolo is bankrolling. You know the governor does not like wasteful spending.”
Despite the grand event, it is reported that Governor Obaseki has not been invited to attend the inauguration, and may not be present at the ceremony.
“Well if he decides not to be there, no one can force him but that won’t stop the inauguration from taking place,” the inauguration committee member stated.
This event marks a significant moment for Edo State as the leadership transitions from Obaseki’s administration to Okpebholo’s, with many hopeful for the future of the state.
