Shettima Leaves Abuja for Cotonou to Attend Benin’s New President Wadagni’s Inauguration

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

Vice President Kashim Shettima left the nation’s capital, Abuja, on Saturday to travel to Cotonou and represent President Bola Tinubu at the inauguration of Romuald Wadagni as President of the Republic of Benin.

According to a release issued by his Media Assistant, Stanley Nkkwocha, Shettima will join other African leaders and guests at the event scheduled to take place at the Presidential Palace in Cotonou on Sunday.

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, the capital of Benin, 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. Their modern bilateral relations are often framed by border security, trade policies, and energy cooperation.

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

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