By Israel Adebiyi
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has ordered an immediate probe and the redeployment of security personnel, including the Camp Commandant, following the controversial lockout of All Progressives Congress (APC) supporters and journalists from the Government House in Benin City during a celebration of his Supreme Court victory on Friday.
The incident occurred after hundreds of party supporters, market women, and journalists, who had gathered at Benin Airport as early as 7:00 a.m. to welcome the governor from Abuja, were barred from entering the Government House.
The group, which joined a one-hour foot procession behind the governor’s motorcade chanting solidarity songs, was informed by security operatives that only “Very Important Personalities” (VIPs) were allowed entry for refreshments, citing an “order from above.”
In a statement issued on Saturday by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, Governor Okpebholo denied authorizing the exclusion and expressed deep regret over the incident.
“The exclusion of invited guests and supporters was not only unauthorized but also in complete contradiction to the spirit of the celebration,” he said, describing the action as “unacceptable and inconsistent with his leadership style.”
The governor emphasized his commitment to being a “people-focused and accessible leader who holds the media and his supporters in the highest regard.”
To address the issue, Okpebholo has constituted a small investigative committee to identify those responsible for the lockout.
“He assured the public that anyone found culpable would face appropriate disciplinary action, adding that his administration would not tolerate acts that seek to ridicule or alienate the very people who stood by him,” the statement read.
The governor further clarified, “This decision did not originate from me, nor does it reflect my values. I will never knowingly authorize any action that disrespects our supporters or members of the press. As a governor elected by the people, I remain committed to openness, inclusion, and respect for every stakeholder.”
The lockout sparked outrage among supporters, with one, identified as Mrs. Omogiate, telling journalists, “In the worst moments of ex-governor Godwin Obaseki, supporters and members were not shabbily treated like this.”
Another supporter, speaking anonymously, expressed frustration after waiting hours at the airport and joining the procession, only to be denied entry.
The Supreme Court’s ruling on Thursday, July 10, 2025, upheld Okpebholo’s victory in the September 21, 2024, governorship election, affirming decisions by the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal and the Court of Appeal.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared Okpebholo the winner with 291,667 votes, defeating the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Asue Ighodalo, who polled 247,274 votes.
