12th November, 2012
Governor Adams Oshiomhole was Monday morning, sworn in for his second term in office at Ogbe Stadium, Benin City, southsouth Nigeria.
Oshiomhole won the governorship election held on 14 July 2012. Oshiomhole came into the stadium at 10. 38 am in company of Governors Rotiimi Amaechi, Emmanuel Uduaghan, Kayode Fayemi of Rivers, Delta and Ekiti states in that order.
Former governors Segun Osoba and Niyi Adebayo of Ogun and Ekiti states were also in the train.
Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State breezed into the venue 30 minutes later. Former Governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Aleogho Dokpesi boss DAAR Communications, owners of Africa Independent Television, AIT, were also there.
Oshiomhole proceeded at 10. 45 am to inspect four police guards of honour commanded by Augustine Ikoli, Abdullahi Jaffaru, Amaka Umaka and Umaru Chinka.
The Nigeria Police Band, established since 1930 and that of Edo, which has been in existence since 1968, provided martial beats.
At 11. 30 am, Rt Rev B. U. G. Imasuen of the Anglican Church and Chief Imam of Benin, Alhaji A. Inabulele said the opening prayers.
Justice Cromwell Idahosa, Chief Judge of Edo State, swore in the Deputy Governor Egberanwem Pius Odubu and Governor Adams Oshiomhole at 11. 45 am.
Present also at the occasion were a former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon; Chief Tom Ikimi, an Action Congress of Nigeria leader; Tony Momoh, a former Information Minister and Congress for Progressive Change National Chairman; Senator Domingo Obembe; Thomas Okosun, ACN Chaairman in Edo State; Augustine Akubueze, Catholic Archbishop; Crown Prince Eheneden Erediauwa, representing his father, Omonoboa Erediauwa, the Oba of Benin; Senator Daisy Danjuma; Patrick Obahiagbon, the Igodomigodo of Benin Kingdom and a former House of Representatives member who dazzled the lower legislative chamber.
Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State came in at 11. 50 am.
In April 2007, Oshiomhole won the governorship election, but his mandate was stolen. This was reaffirmed on 11 November, 2008 by the Court of Appeal in Benin City and he was sworn in on 12 November, 2008. And on 14 July, 2012, he won another election for a second term.
—Jethro Ibileke/Benin