Twenty-four hours after the Election Petition Tribunal in Abuja upheld the election victory of Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo and his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, the duo arrived in Benin City to a warm welcome filled with cheers and jubilation. The governor headed straight to the palace of the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, to pay his respects and express gratitude for the monarch’s support and prayers.

The Benin airport was filled to capacity with residents of Edo State, all gathered to welcome Senator Monday Okpebholo, whose mandate was recently revalidated by the Election Petition Tribunal in Abuja on Wednesday April 2nd 2025, the three-member tribunal panel dismissed the petition filed by the PDP and its candidate, Asue Ighodaro, for lack of merit.

Amid cheers and jubilation, Governor Okpebholo, along with top government officials and party members, arrived at the airport, Security forces struggled to manage the excited crowd.

The jubilant crowd accompanied the governor on a victory walk along the airport road, heading towards the palace of the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, while acknowledging the cheers and expressing gratitude to the people of Edo for their unwavering support.

At the palace, a visibly delighted Governor Okpebholo said his victory in the tribunal was a true reflection of the people’s choice in Edo.

The revered Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, who was overjoyed to receive the governor, urged him to continue his good work for the people of Edo State.

Governor Monday Okpebholo defeated the petitioner, Asue Ighodaro of the PDP in the September 21st 2024 governorship election with a margin of 44, 393 votes.

With the legal battle’s first hurdle now behind them, Governor Okpebholo and his deputy, along with top government officials and APC members, are visibly delighted by the tribunal’s verdict. The expressions of joy on their faces reflect just how crucial the judgement is to them

Editor Paul Akhagbemhe