Obaseki Says Edo Government Sent People to Attack Him in UK

Former Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has accused the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo of allegedly sponsoring hoodlums to attack him during recent engagements in Manchester and Birmingham in the United Kingdom.

Speaking at a public event in Birmingham on Saturday, Obaseki claimed that officials loyal to the current Edo State Government had been “threatening, harassing, and physically confronting” him since he left office in November 2024.

The former governor, in a strongly worded outburst, said he would no longer remain silent in the face of what he described as “state-backed intimidation.”

“Tell the governor, Okpebholo, or whatever he calls himself, that when you start with violence, you will reap violence,” Obaseki declared.

“The government paid people to come to Manchester to attack me, and they slapped Albert. I will not fold my hands while they attack me. I am going to fight back!”

Obaseki said he had intentionally remained quiet for a year after leaving office to allow the new administration to settle, but alleged that the government—alongside unnamed palace interests—had escalated tensions by allegedly orchestrating attacks on diplomats and issuing direct threats against him.

According to him, the latest provocation occurred during Governor Okpebholo’s press conference, where a caller from Oredo allegedly threatened him openly.

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“Somebody phoned in, saying I cannot come to Benin, that when I come, he will show me,” Obaseki said. “Me? I didn’t say I could not go to his village. He is the one threatening me. This shows their mental state.”

He also alleged that state-sponsored individuals attempted to disrupt his event in Birmingham.

“Look at who they sent to the bridge to disrupt this event—junkies,” he said. “They are afraid. They know they did not win the election.”

Obaseki warned that he would no longer ignore attacks or threats against him, stressing that he would defend himself if provoked.

“If I respond now, nobody should hold me responsible,” he said. “I cannot leave myself open to be harmed by deranged people. I will fight back. I am giving them notice.”