Edo state governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has expressed regret over the lockout of supporters from the government in Benin City, declaring that the decision didn’t originate from him.
Okpebholo described the action as unacceptable and inconsistent with his leadership style, adding, “I will never knowingly authorise any action that disrespects our supporters or members of the press.”
In a statement issued on Saturday by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Mr. Fred Itua, the governor emphasised that he remains a people-focused and accessible leader who holds the media and his supporters in the highest regard.
He noted, “The exclusion of invited guests and supporters was not only unauthorised, but also in complete contradiction to the spirit of the celebration.
“As a governor elected by the people, I remain committed to openness, inclusion, and respect for every stakeholder.”
The governor therefore, ordered the immediate redeployment of security personnel, including the camp commandant who were on duty at the Government House, in Benin City, on July 11, 2025.
Okpebholo said an investigative committee would be constituted to identify all those involved in the unfortunate incident.
He assured the public that anyone found culpable would face appropriate disciplinary action.
Blueprint recalls that some jubilant supporters of the governor, including market women were on Friday denied access into the government house by security operatives.
The supporters had converged at the Benin Airport as early as 7am to give governor Okpebholo a rousing welcome, following his triumph in the 2024 governorship election legal dispute at the Supreme Court in Abuja.
Okpebholo whose aircraft touched down the Benin Airport at about 12.40pm was welcome by the supporters amid solidarity songs.
The supporters, many of whom were not mobile, proceeded on foot in a road procession with governor Okpebholo’s motorcades for about an hour.
The procession terminated at the Edo state government House were the supporters were informed by security operatives that only Very Important Personalities (VIPs) would be granted access into the government house for refreshments.
The bewildered supporters took turns to lament the development, with many raining insults on the authorties.