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The decision was made as part of Obaseki’s exercise of the prerogative of mercy, and was detailed in a statement from the Office of the Special Adviser, Media, Governor’s Office, led by Crusoe Osagie. 

The Edo State outgoing governor, Godwin Obaseki, on Monday granted a pardon to 10 inmates who had less than one year left on their sentences. 

Those granted clemency included Igwe Kelechukwu, Esazobor Ohioze, Gift Osaretun, Takyi Rockson, Dikuar Friday, Ossai Glory, Augustine Sunday, Daulagha Ebifagha Godluck, James Paul, and Anas Isah. 

The decision was made as part of Obaseki’s exercise of the prerogative of mercy, and was detailed in a statement from the Office of the Special Adviser, Media, Governor’s Office, led by Crusoe Osagie. 

The pardon followed a request made by the Chairman of the Edo State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy, Justice P.O. Isibor (retd).

The statement explained, “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.”

Obaseki, whose tenure ends on Monday, will hand over to incoming Governor Monday Okpebholo today, after his victory in the September 21, 2024, governorship election, where he defeated his closest rival, Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The inauguration ceremony for Okpebholo will take place at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, marking the beginning of his tenure as the fifth governor of Edo State since the Fourth Republic commenced in 1999. 

It is expected that APC governors and key political figures, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, will attend the event.

A member of the inauguration committee, who wished to remain anonymous, confirmed, “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 Okpebholo is bankrolling. You know the governor does not like wasteful spending.”

However, Obaseki, who stated that he was not invited to the inauguration, may not attend. 

The anonymous committee member noted, “Well if he decides not to be there, no one can force him but that won’t stop the inauguration from taking place.”