Benin – The Samuel Ogbemudia stadium, Benin, was filled to capacity as the new Governor of Edo, Mr Godwin Obaseki took oath of office on Saturday.
The NIGERIAN OBSERVER reports that the main bowl of the stadium was filled to capacity as well-wishers, associates, friends and family members thronged the stadium to witness the ceremony.
Among the dignitaries, who were at the event, which also marks the end of Adams Oshiomhole’s two terms as governor of the state, was the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki.
Some others were Alhaji Aliko Dangote; Gov. Mohammed Abdulahi Abubakar of Bauchi State; Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State; Gov. Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun; and the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate in Ondo, Rotimi Akeredoolu.
Also at the event, were former military Head of State, Dr Yakubu Gowon, and a host of ministers such as that of the Ministry of Information and Orientation, Alhaji Lai Mohammed.
It will be recalled that Obaseki, the All Progressives Congress (APC) party candidate in the Sept. 29 gubernatorial election in Edo State, won the two-way contest with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), winning most of the votes.
Pastor Ize-Iyamu of PDP came second in the votes collated and announced by INEC.
After collating the results across the state, INEC said APC won 13 of the state’s 18 local government areas.
Meanwhile, the vicinity in and around the Samuel Ogbemudia stadium, where the new Governor of Edo, Mr Godwin Obaseki, took his oath of office has been put under tight security and heavy surveillance.
Security personnel drawn from the Police, Army, Department of State Security and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, have been positioned in the area to forestall any unforeseen security breach.
The NIGERIAN OBSERVER reports that the road leading to the stadium and other adjoining streets within the precinct of the stadium are under heavy surveillance by security personnel.
The NIGERIAN OBSERVER also reports that although the surrounding area of the stadium is heavily guarded, there is free-flow of traffic to and from the stadium due to the presence of the police and officials of the Federal Road Safety Commission.
Former governor of the state, Adams Oshiomhole, whose government was inaugurated on Nov. 12, 2008, handed over the reign to Obaseki last night at a brief ceremony at the Government House in Benin.
