The governor said his administration had been willing to address the condition of the Benin-Abraka Road but was constrained by contractual agreements entered into by the previous administration.
Okpebholo explained that the road project had been awarded to two contractors, with one contractor continuing work on its assigned section.
According to the governor, the contractor currently working on the project has completed about 75 per cent of its section.
He alleged, however, that the second contractor abandoned its portion of the road despite receiving payment under the previous administration.
“Following the agreement that was signed by Obaseki’s administration, that road construction project was paid for before I became governor. Despite the payment by the previous administration, the contractor still abandoned the road, allowing motorists to suffer untold hardship passing through the road,” Okpebholo said.
He added that the two contractors had separate portions of the project and that one had continued with construction while the other had allegedly abandoned its section.
“That road was given to two contractors. One of them is working and is doing his job and has gotten up to 75 per cent completion, while the other, who is a friend to Obaseki, has abandoned his section and has become the problem causing hardship on the road,” the governor said.
Governor Says He Will Arrest Contractor
Okpebholo said he had previously refrained from publicly commenting on the Benin-Abraka Road project.
He explained that complaints from residents and motorists during his visit prompted him to speak about the condition of the road.
The governor said the situation had become unacceptable and vowed to take action against the contractor he accused of abandoning the project.
“Those in the diaspora don’t know what is happening and for me as the governor, I never wanted to speak on the issue of this Benin-Abraka Road, but what I heard today has prompted me to speak on the issue. I am going to arrest that contractor,” he said.
The governor did not provide further details in the statement about when the proposed arrest would take place or the specific legal basis for the action.
Benin-Abraka Road Project Draws Political Attention
The governor’s comments come as his administration continues engagements with APC members across Edo State ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Benin-Abraka Road is an important route connecting communities in Edo State, and the reported condition of the affected section has generated complaints over difficulties faced by motorists.
Okpebholo’s allegation against the contractor and his reference to the previous administration are political claims made by the governor. The statement did not include a response from the contractor or former Governor Godwin Obaseki.
The governor said his administration would continue to address infrastructure concerns while also holding contractors accountable for projects that have allegedly not been completed despite payments.
The dispute over the road project is expected to remain a subject of public attention as the Edo State Government considers its next steps on the abandoned section.