The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State has condemned Governor Monday Okpebholo and Health Commissioner Dr. Cyril Adam Oshiomhole for their criticisms of the Stella Obasanjo Hospital in Benin, a project inaugurated by former Governor Godwin Obaseki. The PDP labeled the accusations as baseless, calling the governor’s remarks a diversionary tactic to mask his administration’s lack of direction.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo inaugurated the 270-bed Stella Obasanjo Hospital on November 6, 2024, at the end of Obaseki’s tenure. The facility, named after the late wife of the former president, was rebuilt and expanded under Obaseki’s administration. However, Governor Okpebholo, during a recent inspection alongside his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, and Dr. Oshiomhole, described the project as incomplete, accusing the previous administration of inaugurating a “sham” to mislead the public.

Allegations of Structural Defects Spark Tensions
Governor Okpebholo and Dr. Oshiomhole alleged that the facility remained under construction during its commissioning and lacked necessary medical equipment. Okpebholo declared, “This is a sham. Construction was ongoing when it was inaugurated. It is unfair and cheating on Edo people.” Dr. Oshiomhole echoed similar sentiments, highlighting structural issues and pledging discussions with contractors to address the defects.

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The PDP, however, dismissed these claims, emphasizing that the criticisms were politically motivated. Chris Nehikhare, Publicity Secretary of the PDP Caretaker Committee, rebuked Dr. Oshiomhole for questioning the hospital’s standards, citing his father, former Governor Adams Oshiomhole, as having overseen the flawed construction of the Central Specialist Hospital in Benin, which resulted in a tragic structural collapse.

“It is ironic that Cyril Oshiomhole, whose father was responsible for a hospital construction that claimed lives due to defects, would question the standards of the Stella Obasanjo Hospital,” Nehikhare said in a statement. He added that the facility, widely regarded as one of the best in the South-South region, owes its success to Obaseki’s investments in healthcare infrastructure.

Defending Obaseki’s Administration
Obaseki, through his media adviser Crusoe Osagie, also responded to the allegations, denouncing Okpebholo’s government for engaging in propaganda instead of governance. Osagie asserted that Obaseki’s transformative initiatives, including the Stella Obasanjo Hospital, placed Edo State on a path of progress and prosperity.

“No amount of lies, blackmail, or propaganda can erase Obaseki’s legacy,” Osagie stated. He urged the Okpebholo administration to focus on delivering tangible development projects rather than attempting to discredit their predecessor. “Godwin Obaseki has firmly etched his name in gold in Edo State’s history with impactful projects that have transformed lives across the state.”