On Thursday, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo pledged to continue promoting development so citizens may profit from democracy.
After returning from Abuja, where the electoral petition tribunal affirmed him and his deputy, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, as the legitimate winners of the governorship election held on September 21, 2024, the governor gave a speech in the Oba of Benin’s palace.
Along with other officials, Okpebholo arrived with Idahosa and Secretary to the State Government Musa Ikhilor. From Benin Airport, they were driven to the palace of His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II, Obo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo. Along the way, crowds cheered.
The governor thanked the Oba at the palace for his prayers and support since he took office. He also commended the tribunal judges and the Edo people for their just verdict.
“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.
Happy with the tribunal’s ruling, the Oba referred to the governor as a “traditional son” of the palace. He deviated from tradition by praying for Okpebholo himself rather than via a chief. He claimed that although some attempted to destroy the kingdom, Okpebholo arrived to save and expand 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.
