Hundreds of loyalists, including members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), market women, and well-wishers, had assembled as early as 7 a.m. at the Benin Airport to welcome the governor back from Abuja. Okpebholo’s plane touched down around 12:40 p.m., where he was met with loud cheers and chants of solidarity.
Lacking enough transportation, many supporters joined the governor’s motorcade on foot, forming a vibrant procession through the streets of Benin City en route to the Government House. The walk, marked by drumming and singing, lasted close to an hour.
However, upon reaching the Government House, security personnel reportedly told the crowd that only designated Very Important Personalities (VIPs) would be allowed inside the premises for refreshments. The bulk of the supporterswere subsequently left outside the gates.
The restriction drew visible frustration from the crowd, many of whom had endured hours in the sun.
“Even in the worst moments of former Governor Godwin Obaseki, supporters were never treated this poorly. They’ve won now and have chosen to distance themselves from us,” said Mrs. Ebosele Omogiate, a visibly upset supporter.
Another woman, who declined to give her name, echoed the sentiment: “I left my home before 7 a.m. to be at the airport, standing under the sun for hours to welcome the governor. We joined the road show to the Government House, only to be shut out. This treatment is unjust and disheartening.”
The exclusion of the crowd from the celebration has led to concerns among supporters about the new administration’s openness and relationship with the grassroots. What was intended to be a jubilant display of political support ended in disappointment for many, casting a shadow over Okpebholo’s legal and political triumph.
