Monday Okpebholo has been inaugurated as the new governor of Edo State, marking the end of Godwin Obaseki’s eight-year tenure.
The swearing-in ceremony took place on Tuesday at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, the state capital, two months after Okpebholo’s victory in the September 21, 2024, gubernatorial election.
His inauguration brings an end to Obaseki’s time in office, following the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s triumph in the race to the Dennis Osadebe House.
Okpebholo took the oath of office at 12:55 pm alongside his running mate, Dennis Idahosa. After the ceremony, the duo rode through the stadium in an open van, waving to cheering supporters who had gathered to celebrate the momentous occasion.
In his inaugural address, Okpebholo expressed his gratitude to the people of Edo State for their support in his emergence as governor, describing it as a victory for democracy. “Let me start by thanking God for His grace and incredible blessings. Democracy has triumphed again in our dear state,” he said.
He continued, “For me, this is a humbling moment made possible by you all. Today, you have officially given me the mandate to preside over our dear state as governor for the next four years. We will not betray this confidence you have reposed in me and the deputy governor, Rt Hon. Dennis Idahosa. The welfare of our citizens is a top priority to us.”
Okpebholo outlined his vision for the state, promising to strengthen security, improve road connectivity between communities, and support small businesses to boost the local economy. He pledged to work tirelessly to ensure the well-being of all Edo citizens.
The ceremony was attended by a number of dignitaries, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented President Bola Tinubu; APC governors; Minister of Aviation Festus Keyamo; and former Edo State governor Adams Oshiomhole, among others.
Okpebholo’s victory in the 2024 governorship election caps an intense political season in Edo State, which saw former allies turn rivals, and political godfathers face off against their proteges.
Okpebholo defeated Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in a hotly contested election, securing 291,667 votes compared to Ighodalo’s 247,274. Labour Party (LP)’s Olumide Akpata came in third with 22,763 votes, in a race contested by 14 candidates.
Despite receiving support from then-governor Obaseki, the PDP was unable to retain power in Edo State, surrendering the seat to the APC. Okpebholo’s win was seen by many analysts as a result of the fracturing relationship between Obaseki’s deputy, Philip Shuaibu, and the influence of Oshiomhole, which paved the way for the APC’s success.
The PDP has contested the election results, alleging that the mandate was stolen and vowing to challenge Okpebholo’s victory. The party maintains that the outcome of the election did not reflect the will of the people.
Meanwhile, outgoing governor Godwin Obaseki granted clemency to 10 inmates on the eve of his departure from office. The inmates, who had less than one year left on their sentences, were pardoned in accordance with the governor’s prerogative of mercy.
The individuals granted pardon included Igwe Kelechukwu, Esazobor Ohioze, Gift Osaretun, Takyi Rockson, Dikuar Friday, Ossai Glory, Augustine Sunday, Daulagha Ebifagha Godluck, James Paul, and Anas Isah.
This decision followed a request from the Edo State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy, chaired by Justice P.O. Isibor (retd).
According to a statement from the governor’s media office, “The council received a letter from the Benin Correctional Service, dated 5th November 2024, requesting clemency for inmates with 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.”
With Obaseki’s tenure now over, Okpebholo is set to begin his four-year term as the fifth governor of Edo State since the commencement of the Fourth Republic in 1999.
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The inauguration ceremony also attracted a large number of political dignitaries, with members of the APC, including governors, senators, and ministers, expected to attend.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio was scheduled to lead members of the Red Chamber, while Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, was also expected to attend. Idahosa’s presence was bolstered by fellow members of the Green Chamber, with Abbas leading the delegation.
Preparations for the event were in full swing as major streets around the stadium and Airport Road were given a facelift ahead of the ceremony.
A member of the inauguration committee, who requested anonymity, shared, “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.”
Despite the festivities, outgoing governor Obaseki, who said he was not invited to the inauguration, may not attend the event. “Well if he decides not to be there, no one can force him but that won’t stop the inauguration from taking place,” the committee member remarked.
With the inauguration concluded, Monday Okpebholo begins his governance with promises of renewal and progress for Edo State.
