Yesterday 11/1124, Okpebholo was sworn in as the governor of Edo State, concluding Godwin Obaseki’s eight-year leadership in the South-South region.
The inauguration ceremony was held on Tuesday at Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, the state capital, two months after the All Progressives Congress (APC) secured the seat at Dennis Osadebe House.
Okpebholo took the oath of office along with his running mate, Dennis Idahosa, at approximately 12:55 pm. Following the ceremony, they paraded around the stadium in an open van, waving to supporters.
Dennis Idahosa was also sworn in as the Deputy Governor of Edo State.
In his inaugural speech, Okpebholo expressed gratitude to the people of Edo State for their support in his election as governor, calling it a victory for democracy.
“First, I thank God for His grace and immense blessings. Democracy has prevailed once again in our beloved state,” the governor stated.
“This is a humbling moment, made possible by all of you,” he continued, adding, “Today, you have officially entrusted me with the responsibility of leading our state as governor for the next four years. I assure you, we will not betray the trust you have placed in me and Deputy Governor Rt Hon. Dennis Idahosa. The well-being of our citizens will remain our top priority.”
He vowed to enhance the state’s security, connect communities through better roads, and support small businesses to stimulate the economy.
The event was graced by several dignitaries, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented President Bola Tinubu; APC governors; Minister of Aviation Festus Keyamo; former Edo Governor Adams Oshiomhole, among others.
“I am in Benin City, Edo State, attending the swearing-in ceremony of H.E Senator Monday Okpebholo and Hon. Dennis Idahosa as the new Governor and Deputy Governor of Edo State, respectively.”
Their inauguration marks the conclusion of a fascinating political season in Edo State, where former allies turned opponents and godfathers faced off against their mentees.
Okpebholo triumphed over Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the closely contested election held on September 21. The APC candidate secured 291,667 votes, while his main rival received 247,274 votes. Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party (LP) finished third with 22,763 votes in an election with fourteen candidates.
Despite receiving support from then-governor Obaseki, the PDP was unable to maintain its grip on power in Edo State, losing to the APC, where the former governor secured his first ticket to the office.
Political analysts suggest that the APC’s regain of control in Edo State highlights the impact of the strained relationship between Philip Shuaibu (Obaseki’s former deputy) and Oshiomhole’s influence, which played a role in Okpebholo’s victory.
However, the PDP has contested the result, claiming its mandate was stolen. The party vowed to challenge Okpebholo’s win, arguing it did not reflect the will of the people.
