On Friday, hundreds of individuals, including members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and market women among others, were denied entry to the Edo State Government House during celebrations for Governor Monday Okpebholo's victory at the Supreme Court.
According to reports, security operatives prevented the party's supporters from entering the Government House, stating they were following orders.
The DAILY POST reports that on Thursday, the Supreme Court confirmed the rulings of the lower courts—the Election Petition Tribunal and the Court of Appeal—which both recognized Okpebholo as the winner of the September 21, 2024 governorship election.
Following the judgment, APC members and supporters, along with market women and youths, assembled at Benin Airport as early as 7:00 a.m. to warmly welcome the governor.
The enthusiastic supporters remained at the airport, and around 12:40 p.m., the governor's aircraft landed.
After the excitement of the victory, many supporters — including those who weren't typically mobile — joined a road procession on foot with Okpebholo's convoy, singing songs of solidarity.
The procession, which continued for roughly an hour, concluded at the Edo State Government House.
However, the supporters were taken aback when security operatives prevented them from entering the Edo State Government House with the governor.
The confused supporters alternated expressing disappointment about the situation, with many directing insults at the authorities.
One of the supporters, who introduced herself as Mrs. Omogiate, mentioned that security personnel had informed them that only Very Important Personalities (VIPs) would be permitted entry into the Government House for refreshments.
She stated that even during the difficult times faced by former governor Godwin Obaseki, supporters and members were never treated this poorly.
Another supporter, who wished to remain anonymous, remarked, "They've achieved victory and chosen to isolate themselves by building a wall around them."
I departed from my house before 7:00 AM to head to the airport, where I waited for hours under the sun until the governor arrived.
"We participated in a road show with him all the way to the Government House, only to be denied entry. This is unjust."
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