Okpebholo Blasts Obaseki For ‘Deceptive’ Commissioning Of Unfinished Edo Projects

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has criticized the immediate past administration of Godwin Obaseki for allegedly commissioning uncompleted projects across the state. The governor described the move as deceptive and a “disservice to the people of Edo,” accusing the former government of attempting to conceal inefficiency through premature inaugurations.

According to Ireporter Online, Okpebholo made the remarks during an unscheduled inspection of the Stella Obasanjo Hospital and the Iyaro Education Hub Complex in Benin City, where he expressed dismay at the unfinished state of the facilities that had been publicly declared as completed.

In a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, the governor questioned the rationale behind commissioning incomplete projects. “It is wrong to mislead the people with such gestures,” he said. “Our duty is to complete what was started and ensure Edo people get full value for every naira spent.”

During the visit to the Stella Obasanjo Hospital, Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole, revealed that the hospital was only about 60 percent complete, with outdated and recycled medical beds still in use. He assured that the governor had ordered the immediate acceleration of work to ensure full completion.

Governor Okpebholo pledged that the hospital would be completed and operational before Christmas, noting that while progress had been made, key sections like the administrative block and surgical theatre remained unfinished.

At the Iyaro Education Hub Complex, the governor voiced similar disappointment, stating that the facility had been commissioned without electricity, equipment, or operational readiness. “This building was hurriedly commissioned without power or equipment. There was really nothing to commission,” Okpebholo said.

The contractor, George Bou Maroon, explained that the project was designed to centralize educational activities in the state by housing the Ministry of Education, SUBEB, Library Board, auditorium, and other administrative units.

Okpebholo assured that contractors would be mobilized within weeks to complete the complex, emphasizing that his administration is focused on transparency, accountability, and tangible results. “We are not here to play politics with the lives of Edo people,” he declared. “Our mission is to rebuild, restore, and ensure every project truly serves the people. Edo deserves honesty and visible progress, and that is what we will deliver.”