Jubilation to humiliation: Okpebholo’s fans shut out of Government House

By Jethro Ibileke

Hundreds of supporters of Governor Monday Okpebholo were denied entry to the Edo State Government House in Benin City on Friday, following an alleged directive to restrict access to the seat of power.

The supporters had gathered to celebrate Okpebholo’s triumph in a legal dispute over the 2024 governorship election, upheld by the Supreme Court in Abuja.

The jubilant crowd, comprising market women, All Progressives Congress (APC) members, and other well-wishers, assembled at Benin Airport as early as 7 a.m. to give the governor a rousing welcome.

Okpebholo’s aircraft landed around 12:40 p.m., greeted by enthusiastic supporters chanting solidarity songs. Many, lacking transportation, joined a vibrant road procession on foot, accompanying the governor’s motorcade from the airport to the Government House in a march that lasted approximately an hour.

Upon arrival, security operatives informed the crowd that only Very Important Personalities (VIPs) would be granted entry for refreshments, leaving the majority of supporters locked out.

The decision sparked frustration and disbelief among the crowd, with many voicing their discontent.

Mrs. Ebosele Omogiate, a supporter, expressed her disappointment, stating, “Even in the worst moments of former Governor Godwin Obaseki, supporters were never treated this poorly. They’ve won now and have chosen to distance themselves from us.”

Another supporter, who preferred anonymity, lamented, “I left my home before 7 a.m. to be at the airport, standing under the sun for hours to welcome the governor. We joined the road show to the Government House, only to be shut out. This treatment is unjust and disheartening.”

The incident has raised concerns among supporters about the administration’s accessibility, casting a shadow over what was intended to be a celebratory moment for Governor Okpebholo’s victory.