Okpebholo Sets Up 14-Member Committee to Audit Obaseki’s Administration

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has established a 14-member Assets Verification Committee tasked with examining the records of former Governor Godwin Obaseki’s administration, with the inaugural meeting scheduled for Tuesday, November 26.

According to Fred Itua, the governor’s chief press secretary, the committee’s formation comes in response to what he described as “very scanty and limited assets and liabilities” documentation provided by the previous administration, despite repeated requests for comprehensive information.

“In line with the governor’s campaign promise to ensure probity, accountability and transparency in government, and to deepen the governance process, a committee made up of respected persons is to look into the books,” Itua stated in Benin.

The committee will be led by Dr. Ernest Umakhihe as Chairman, with Anslem Ojezua serving as Deputy Chairman and Frank Edebor as Secretary. Notable members include Prince Kassim Afegbua, Patrick Ikhariale, and Taiwo Akerele.

Other appointments to the committee include Patrick Idiake, Rasaq Bello-Osagie, Fredrick Unopah, Mrs. Abdallah Eugenia, Patrick Obahiagbon, Kenny Okojie, Mrs. Lyndsey Tes-Sorae, and Abass Braimoh.

The establishment of this verification committee represents one of Governor Okpebholo’s first major administrative actions, with the administration emphasizing its necessity for setting “the state on the path of development and accountable leadership.” The move signals an intensified focus on financial transparency and governance oversight in Edo State’s public sector.