From Tony Osauzo, Benin
Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo promised on Wednesday to keep pushing development so residents can enjoy democracy’s benefits.
The governor spoke at the palace of the Oba of Benin after returning from Abuja, where the election petition tribunal confirmed him and his deputy, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, as the rightful winners of the 21 September 2024 governorship election.
Okpebholo arrived with Idahosa, Secretary to the State Government Musa Ikhilor, and other officials. A motorcade took them from Benin Airport to the palace of His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II. Crowds cheered along the way.
At the palace, the governor thanked the Oba for his prayers and support since taking office. He also praised the Edo people and the tribunal judges for their fair ruling. “I am here in the palace to let you know that the issues of the election petition tribunal between Monday Okpebholo and Asue Ighodalo have been resolved. It was resolved in favour of Monday Okpebholo and the All Progressives Congress (APC),” he said.
“The three judges agreed that Senator Monday Okpebholo won the September 21st governorship election in Edo State. Three parties took APC to the tribunal, and all the cases were thrown out by the judges. This means that I am the duly elected governor of Edo State,” he continued.
“Your Majesty, I am here to thank you and the Edo people for the love, prayers, and support shown to my administration. I will continue to do my best and work for the Edo people and ensure that Edo enjoys the dividends of democracy,” Okpebholo added.
The Oba, delighted with the tribunal’s decision, called the governor a “traditional son” of the palace. Breaking from custom, he personally prayed for Okpebholo instead of using a chief. He said some tried to ruin the kingdom, but Okpebholo came to save and grow Edo State.
“The tribunal judgement was a victory for the Edo people. The governor has been doing well for the state, as he has hit the ground running. I am supposed to travel today on a working visit, but when I heard that the governor was coming, I had to wait for him,” the Oba said.
“We heard that he wants to bring the victory to his father. I had to wait for him. He is my traditional son. We will do our best to be praying for him and play a fatherly role,” he continued.
“The governor is a traditional son. We will not speak much. This is significant as we have not done this before. I appeal to the sons and daughters of the Oba and chiefs in the palace, as we will not allow our son to kneel for too long. We have not done this before, leaving the throne to lift a person up from his knees. The ancestors directed us to do this,” he added.
“I encourage you to work harder, and I know you have been working so hard that sometimes you have no time to play. We thank you for coming here first. Thank you so much,” the Oba concluded.