The Edo State Government has issued a 24-hour ultimatum to Hon. Ogbeide Faluyi-Isibor, a former commissioner under ex-Governor Godwin Obaseki's administration, demanding a public retraction and apology for alleged defamatory statements made against Governor Monday Okpebholo's administration.
In a statement dated June 8, 2025, signed by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Samson R. Osagie, the government condemned viral posts circulated across social media platforms since June 6, which allegedly contained false claims about irregularities and incompetence within the current administration.
Allegations Against Current Administration
According to the government, Faluyi-Isibor, who served as Commissioner for Digital Economy, Science and Technology under Obaseki, published claims on his official Facebook page alleging that Governor Okpebholo's administration had only held three Executive Council meetings in eight months.
The post reportedly also accused the Governor of residing primarily in Abuja while manipulating contract awards from the federal capital, and suggested that state funds were being saved to pay for a Supreme Court judgment related to contracts initiated by the previous administration.
Government's Response
Dr. Osagie dismissed these claims as "completely false," asserting that Governor Okpebholo's administration, which has not yet been in office for eight months, has convened several Executive Council meetings that have led to key developmental initiatives, including ongoing flyover projects in Benin City.
"This publication amounts to criminal defamation. We intend to proceed against you through the security agencies for you to prove the criminal allegations you have made," the Commissioner for Justice stated in the release.
The government has demanded that Faluyi-Isibor's apology be published across all social media platforms and in at least one national newspaper within the 24-hour timeframe, failing which both civil and criminal legal actions would be pursued against him.
Political Context
BenriNews recalls that the controversy comes at a time of heightened political activity in Edo State, with attention intensifying ahead of the 2027 general elections. The government's strong stance appears aimed at countering what it perceives as misinformation and attempts to undermine its credibility.
This development marks another chapter in the ongoing political tensions in Edo State following the transition of power from former Governor Obaseki's administration to the current government led by Governor Okpebholo.
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