The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has urged the Edo State Governor-elect, Senator Monday Okpebholo, to do everything possible to fulfill his campaign promises to the people of the state.
DAILY POST reports that Senator Monday Okpebholo, a candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), was declared the winner of the September 21, 2024, governorship election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Okpebholo polled a total of 291,667 votes to defeat his closest rival, Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who scored 247,566 votes.
The Benin monarch made the call when he received the governor-elect and his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, on Tuesday at his palace.
The royal father, who expressed gratitude to God for the peaceful conduct of the election, told the governor-elect that the hallmark of good governance starts with fulfilling campaign promises made to the people.
“We thank God Almighty for the peaceful election. We thank God for hearing our prayers. Even now, we are still fasting and praying for peace and tranquility in the state.
“I cannot end the prayers without thanking President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, for everything, for ensuring a peaceful election.
“This palace is open to you anytime; whether 1 a.m. or 2 a.m., you can come, and I will see you,” he assured.
Earlier, the governor-elect, Senator Monday Okpebholo, told the monarch that he and his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, were at the palace to present their certificates of return to him.
The governor-elect and his deputy were accompanied during the visit by leaders of the APC in the state, including Senator Adams Oshiomhole, Philip Shaibu, APC state chairman, Jarret Tenebe, former deputy governor Pius Odubu, Senator Matthew Urhoghide, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, Lucky Imasuen, among others.