Supporters of Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State have expressed disappointment after they were allegedly denied access to the Government House in Benin City, following the Supreme Court’s verdict affirming Okpebholo’s election.
Earlier on Friday, a large crowd of supporters including market women and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) gathered as early as 7:00 am at the Benin Airport to give the governor a grand welcome.
Governor Okpebholo’s flight landed around 12:40 pm, and he was received amid cheers from the enthusiastic crowd.
As he made his way to the Government House, the supporters joined in a celebratory roadshow, attracting attention from motorists and passersby.
However, things took a disappointing turn when the crowd was stopped at the gate of the Government House and denied entry.
According to a supporter who spoke on condition of anonymity, they were informed by security officials that the governor had directed that only Very Important Personalities (VIPs) would be allowed inside for the planned refreshments.
“We were stunned on reaching the gate and were informed by security operatives that only Very Important Personalities (VIPs) would be allowed into the government house for refreshments,” he said.
Another supporter, Mrs. Ebosele Omogiate, expressed her frustration over the treatment they received, contrasting it with the approach of former Governor Godwin Obaseki.
“In the worst moments of ex-governor Godwin Obaseki, supporters and members were not shabbily treated like this,” she said.
She went on to describe the efforts they made to welcome the governor:
“I left house before 7am for the airport and stood under the sun for hours before the arrival of the governor.”
Another supporter echoed the sentiment:
“We engaged on a road show with the him to the Government House, only for us to be shut out. This treatment is unfair.”
As at the time of filing this report, neither the Edo State Government nor the APC had issued any official response to the allegations.
