• As Ogbemudia Stadium filled to capacity after many years !
Derek Davinson (ivm editor), Benin
Finally, after the victory of the September 21 Governorship election, the duo of Senator Monday Okpebholo and Hon. Dennis Idahosa has been inaugurated as the sixth democratic Governor and deputy Governor respectively; to lead the return of the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration in Edo State.
Portraying massive acceptance of the new administration, venue of the inauguration; the 19,500 capacity Samuel Osaigbovo Ogbemudia Stadium was filled to the brim inside and outside for the first time irrespective of the events; after a long while.
The large crowd on ground to witness the august event was a rainbow of colours with the police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Immigration service decked in their beautiful ceremonial uniform doing the usual parade to mark the day.
Also, as different social, political groups besieged the arena like a swam of bees competing for attention, various cultural dance troupes entertained from the beginning till the end of the event which was fun, and glitz in all its ramifications.
As an array of personalities graced the day; amongst whom was the President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by Vice President, Kashim Shettima, Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, Fmr governor of the State and his deputy, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, Hon. Pius Egberamwen Odubu, iimmediate past deputy Governor of the State, Philip Shaibu, immediate past minister of national planning and budgeting, Clem Agba.
Others are; the Benin Monarch HRM Oba Ewuare II represented by his Chiefs, several Governors of the APC, Sanwo Olu of Lagos State, Abdulrahaman AbdulRasaq of Kwara State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State, Hope Uzodima of Imo State and Prince Adedapo Oluseun Abiodun of Ogun State.
However; contrary to established norms, the immediate past Governor, Godwin Obaseki was conspicuously absent at the inauguration fueling speculation that he may still be nursing hidden grudges against his successors and their Party; the APC which indicates that the days ahead, would be filled with telling drama.
But in all, the day; 12 November, 2024 certainly marked the end of an era which many believed was notorious for series of negativities championed by Godwin Obaseki, the immediate past Governor of the People Democratic Party (PDP); and the beginning of a new dawn; promising ‘the rising of new Edo State’ of all that is good!
