Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria – April 24, 2025 – The Edo State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Caretaker Committee has vehemently condemned a recent meeting convened by the suspended former chairman of the party in the state, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, labeling it a “circus” and a “kangaroo meeting” of “deflated and expired political elements.”

 

In a strongly worded press statement issued today, the Caretaker Committee accused Dr. Aziegbemi, whom they suggested is “struggling with a mental condition,” of parading “displaced, liquidated, and expired political elements whose only contribution to Edo State has been the looting of our commonwealth and the undermining of public trust.”

 

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The statement singled out several prominent figures who reportedly attended the gathering. Chief Tom Ikimi, described as a “so-called elder statesman,” was accused of a politically unproductive career focused on “begging for peanuts.” The committee further alleged Ikimi’s involvement in the “looting of Edo State’s wealth” through Governor Godwin Obaseki’s office in 2020.

 

Dr. Aziegbemi himself was portrayed as a man facing suspension over corruption allegations, including the alleged collection of “$1 million, N75 million, and another $50,000” which he purportedly failed to declare to the party. The Caretaker Committee asserted that Aziegbemi is now attempting to “rescue” the party by gathering individuals with “rotten legacies.”

 

Former Governor Lucky Igbinedion was labeled an “ex-convict” known for “liquidating the state’s treasury.” The statement alluded to fresh discoveries that should warrant his re-imprisonment and criticized the “waste of public funds” on private properties during his tenure.

Former Deputy Governor Mike Ogiadomhe was described as looking like a “punctured balloon” and was accused of failing to attract any meaningful projects to his constituency during his eight years in office.

 

The committee also alleged his near prosecution for conspiring with Igbinedion and his ignominious sacking as Chief of Staff to former President Goodluck Jonathan over the alleged disappearance of N300 billion in federal project funds.

Osarodion Ogie, a former commissioner and Secretary to the State Government (SSG), was accused of amassing a “suspicious” billionaire lifestyle from humble beginnings as a casino manager. His ambition to become deputy governor was attributed to “greed” and a desire to retrieve something left behind at the State House, with a shocking accusation linking his allies to the death of a former aide to current gubernatorial aspirant, Senator Monday Okpebholo.

 

Bishop Okosun was derided as a “morally bankrupt cleric” who allegedly compromised his faith for a meager sum, while Pa Owere Dickson Imasogie, another elder statesman present, was accused of facilitating the plundering of public funds by Governor Obaseki.

The Ugbesia brothers were described as “shadows of their former selves,” with a pointed remark about Senator Ugbesia’s alleged habit of sleeping during Senate plenary sessions.

 

The PDP Caretaker Committee concluded by urging the people of Edo State and party members to dismiss Dr. Aziegbemi’s actions, highlighting his “woeful failure” as chairman, which they claim led to the defection of PDP lawmakers to the APC and the impending zero representation of the party in the State Assembly.

 

The statement vowed to “resist and expose these former and displaced elements” and prevent them from returning to power, asserting that “Edo State must move forward, and we will not allow expired politicians to keep dragging us backward.”

 

The press statement was signed by Bob-Manuel Umoru, Publicity Secretary of the PDP Edo State Caretaker Committee.