Shettima Leaves Abuja to Attend Wadagni’s Inauguration as Benin President

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

Vice President Kashim Shettima left the capital, Abuja, yesterday for Cotonou to represent President Bola Tinubu at the inauguration of Romuald Wadagni as President of the Republic of Benin.

According to a statement issued by his Media Assistant, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima will join other African leaders and international dignitaries at the event scheduled for the Presidential Palace in Cotonou today, Sunday, May 24, 2026.

During the swearing‑in ceremony, which marks Wadagni’s assumption of a seven‑year constitutional term, the new president will take the oath of office in Porto‑Novo, while his running mate, Mariam Chabi Talata, will be sworn in as Vice President.

Benin’s official inauguration ceremonies typically follow a traditional state protocol, comprising the official handover of power and the transfer of the presidential sash and insignia at the Presidential Palace in Cotonou, followed by a motorcade procession to the Charles de Gaulle Stadium in Porto‑Novo.

Benin and Nigeria share deep historical, socio‑cultural, and economic ties, although their modern bilateral relations are often framed by issues of border security, trade policies, and energy cooperation.

For Nigeria, the stability, peace, and deeper integration of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) remain important, a commitment that President Tinubu has upheld since taking office despite the challenges the bloc faces.

The Vice President, accompanied by senior aides and top government officials, will return to Nigeria after his engagement in the Republic of Benin.