Benin City, Edo State, witnessed a momentous occasion yesterday as Governor Monday Okpebholo returned from Abuja following the affirmation of his victory in the September 21, 2024, Edo State governorship election by the election tribunal. The governor, accompanied by his deputy, Dannis Idahosa, Secretary to the State Government Musa Ikhilor, and other key officials, was greeted with widespread celebrations as they traveled from the airport to the palace of the Oba of Benin, His Majesty Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo Ewuare II.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The motorcade was met with cheers from residents, as well as displays from various unions, associations, and party supporters. Upon arrival at the palace, Governor Okpebholo expressed gratitude to the Oba for his prayers and support since the beginning of the new administration.

Addressing the Oba and the people of Edo, the governor thanked the judges for their unanimous ruling in his favor, which confirmed his victory in the election. “I am here to let you know that the issues surrounding the election petition tribunal between Okpebholo and Asue Ighodalo have been resolved in favor of Okpebholo and the All Progressives Congress (APC),” he stated. He further pledged to continue working in the best interests of Edo State to ensure the people benefit from the dividends of democracy.

In a rare and significant gesture, Oba Ewuare II personally laid hands on the governor and offered prayers for his continued success, a departure from the usual practice of delegating this duty to a palace chief.

Meanwhile, the national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) expressed strong dissatisfaction with the tribunal’s ruling, labeling it a miscarriage of justice and a betrayal of the trust the people of Edo State placed in the electoral process. In a statement, PDP spokesperson Debo Ologunagba argued that despite overwhelming evidence indicating that their candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, won the election, the tribunal’s conclusion contradicted its findings, casting doubt on the integrity of the judicial process.

In contrast, the APC hailed the tribunal’s decision, praising it as a reflection of the will of the people of Edo State. APC spokesperson Felix Morka expressed appreciation for the judiciary’s independence and professionalism, urging Governor Okpebholo to continue his good governance efforts and translate the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu into tangible benefits for the people of Edo State.