The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has called on Edo State Governor-elect, Senator Monday Okpebholo, to remain committed to the promises he made during his campaign, urging him to prioritize the welfare of the people and deliver on his mandate.

This message was delivered when the governor-elect and his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, paid a visit to the Benin monarch at his palace following their victory in the September 21, 2024, governorship election.

Senator Okpebholo, who ran under the banner of the All Progressives Congress (APC), was declared the winner of the election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), securing a total of 291,667 votes.

His closest competitor, Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), received 247,566 votes. The victory has been widely acknowledged as a significant achievement for the APC in Edo State.

During the meeting, Oba Ewuare II expressed his gratitude to God for the peaceful conduct of the election, attributing the calm atmosphere to divine intervention and the prayers of the people.

He noted that the peaceful transition of power was a blessing for the state, and he urged the governor-elect to take his new role seriously by delivering good governance to the people of Edo State.

The Oba emphasized that the foundation of effective leadership lies in keeping campaign promises, stating, “Good governance starts with fulfilling the commitments you made to the people.

We thank God Almighty for the peaceful election, and we continue to pray for peace and tranquility in our state.”

The monarch also extended his appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for ensuring the election process was conducted in a peaceful and orderly manner, highlighting the role of national leadership in safeguarding democracy.

Oba Ewuare II reassured Senator Okpebholo that the palace would remain open to him at all times, offering support and guidance as he embarks on his new journey as governor.

“This palace is open to you whenever you need, even if it’s at 1 a.m. or 2 a.m. You are welcome here, and I will see you,” the royal father promised, underscoring the importance of maintaining a close relationship between traditional institutions and the state government.

In response, the governor-elect expressed his gratitude to the Oba for his blessings and support.

Senator Okpebholo, along with his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, presented their certificates of return to the monarch, a gesture symbolizing their readiness to serve the people of Edo State.

Okpebholo assured the Oba that his administration would be people-focused, pledging to work tirelessly to improve the lives of citizens across the state.

The governor-elect was accompanied by key figures from the APC during his visit, including Senator Adams Oshiomhole, who played a significant role in the election campaign, former deputy governor Pius Odubu, APC state chairman Jarret Tenebe, Senator Matthew Urhoghide, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, and Lucky Imasuen, among others.

The delegation represented a strong show of unity and support within the party as they prepared to take over the leadership of Edo State.

This meeting between the Oba and the governor-elect marks the beginning of a new chapter in Edo’s political landscape, with the expectations of the people firmly placed on the shoulders of Senator Okpebholo to deliver on his promises and bring progress to the state.