Okpebholo Sworn In as Edo's 5th Governor

Okpebholo Assumes Office, Marks End of Obaseki's Tenure

Monday Okpebholo was declared the winner of the Edo governorship election in September, after securing...

Monday Okpebholo has officially taken office as the Governor of Edo State, marking the beginning of a new era in the state's governance. 

Monday Okpebholo has officially taken the reins as Governor of Edo State, marking the end of Godwin Obaseki's eight-year tenure in the South-South region. The inauguration ceremony unfolded at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, the state capital, on Tuesday, November 12. This milestone comes approximately two months after the All Progressives Congress (APC) secured the governorship.

Okpebholo was sworn in alongside his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, amidst an assembly of prominent figures, including Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, and Adams Oshiomhole, former Governor of Edo State. As the newly elected governor, Okpebholo brings a wealth of experience to the table, having previously served as a senator representing Edo Central senatorial district. His campaign focused on economic reform, foreign investment, and infrastructure development to bring stability and growth to Edo.

Facts about Monday Okpebholo:

Early Life: Born on August 29, 1970, in Udomi-Uwessan, Irrua, Edo State 

Education: Holds a degree in Business Administration from the University of Abuja and a Master's degree in Policy and Leadership Studies.

Career: Senator representing Edo Central senatorial district (2023-2024) and Governor of Edo State (2024-present) 

Personal Life: Married to Blessing Okpapi Ekpe with two children.

Monday Okpebholo was declared the winner of the Edo governorship election in September, after securing 291,667 votes, according to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). His closest rival, Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), garnered 247,274 votes, while Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party trailed behind with 22,763 votes.

Okpebholo's victory was sealed after he won in 11 out of Edo's 18 local government areas, meeting the requirement of securing at least 25 percent of votes in two-thirds of these areas, as stipulated by INEC regulations. This milestone marked a significant win for the All Progressives Congress (APC) and paved the way for Okpebholo's inauguration as the Governor of Edo State.

Prof. Faruk Kuta, the Returning Officer, officially declared Okpebholo the winner, solidifying his position as the next leader of Edo State. Okpebholo's win was seen as a victory for his party and a testament to his campaign's momentum.

Factors in Okpebholo's Victory

Strong Party Support: Okpebholo benefited from a united APC front, with prominent figures like Adams Oshiomhole rallying behind him.

Strategic Campaigning: Okpebholo's campaign effectively leveraged the rivalry between APC and PDP, framing the election as a contest between two establishment parties.

Federal Might: The expectation of federal support, given the APC's control of the central government, likely played a role in Okpebholo's victory.