Former Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has stirred fresh controversy after accusing his successor, Governor Monday Okpebholo, of allegedly sponsoring an attack against him while he was attending a public function in Manchester, United Kingdom.
In a video that has since gone viral across social media platforms, Obaseki claimed that individuals linked to the Edo State Government confronted him abroad and physically assaulted members of his team. According to him, the incident was carefully orchestrated and not a random disagreement or misunderstanding between supporters.
Obaseki alleged that some of the attackers were hired and funded by the state authorities, insisting that the action was a deliberate attempt to intimidate and embarrass him in an international setting. He expressed deep disappointment that such an incident could take place outside Nigeria, describing it as disgraceful and dangerous.
“Tell the governor, Okpebholo, or whatever he calls himself, that when you start with violence, you will reap violence. The government paid people to come to Manchester and attack me, and they slapped Albert. I will not fold my hands while they attack me. I am going to fight back,” he declared in the video, speaking with visible anger and frustration.
The former governor emphasised that he would not tolerate threats, harassment, or physical assault from any quarter, adding that he had remained largely silent since leaving office but felt compelled to speak out due to what he described as targeted oppression.
Obaseki further claimed that beyond physical intimidation, he has also faced hostility in the political transition process since handing over power. He criticised the current administration for what he described as a lack of seriousness in governance and proper documentation.
According to him, he prepared and submitted an 833-page transition document detailing projects, policies, and financial records for the incoming government, hoping to ensure continuity and stability in the state’s administration.
However, he alleged that rather than engaging constructively with the material, officials from the new government demanded sitting allowances before reviewing the document.
“I left an 833-page transition document. I told them I don’t want my work to spoil; I called them to set up a transition committee so we could meet. They said I should pay them a sitting allowance,” he revealed, describing the demand as improper and disappointing.
Obaseki’s remarks have since intensified political tensions within Edo State, with supporters and loyalists from both sides trading accusations and counter-accusations online and offline.
Some Nigerians have called for calm and a full investigation into the alleged Manchester incident, while others have urged security agencies to be alert and prevent further escalation between political rivals.
As of now, there has been no official response from Governor Okpebholo or the Edo State Government regarding the allegations.
Watch the video below…
"Tell the governor, Okpebholo, or whatever he calls himself that when you start with vi0lence, you will reap vi0lence. The government paid people to come to Manchester and attåck me, and they slåpped Albert. I will not fold my hands while they attåck me. I am going to flght… pic.twitter.com/CmTQ5slZdk
— The Benin Blogger (@TheBeninBlogger) December 1, 2025