The Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City will come alive as the inauguration ceremony to usher in Monday Okpebholo as the new governor of Edo State takes place today (Tuesday).
Governor Godwin Obaseki ended his tenure as governor on Monday and will today hand over power to the incoming governor of Edo State, Okpebholo.
Okpebholo rose to prominence after winning the state’s governorship election on September 21, 2024, defeating his closest challenger and Peoples Democratic Party candidate, Asue Ighodalo.
All of the All Progressives Congress governors are expected to be in Benin, while Senate President Godswill Akpabio will lead members of the Red Chamber to the event to commemorate one of their own.
Dennis Idahosa, the deputy governor and a member of the House of Representatives, will also have backing from members of the Green Chamber, led by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas.
On Monday, main streets surrounding the stadium, including Airport Road, were given a fresh makeover.
A member of the inauguration committee who requested anonymity informed the press that party leaders are anticipated to be in town.
He stated that some people arrived in Benin on Monday for the inauguration.
He said, “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 Okpehbolo is bankrolling. You know the governor does not like wasteful spending.”
However, the outgoing governor, Obaseki, who said he was not invited to the inauguration, may not be at 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 inauguration committee member stated.
