Vice President Kashim Shettima on Saturday departed Abuja for Cotonou to represent President Bola Tinubu at the inauguration of Romuald Wadagni as President of the Republic of Benin.
Shettima, according to a statement issued by his Media Assistant, Stanley Nkwocha, will join other leaders across Africa and beyond at the event scheduled to take place at the Presidential Palace in Cotonou on Sunday, May 24, 2026.
At the swearing-in ceremony, which marks the commencement of his seven-year constitutional term, Wadagni will take the oath of office in Porto-Novo alongside his running mate, Mariam Chabi Talata, who will also be sworn in as Vice President.
Benin’s official inauguration ceremonies typically follow traditional state protocol, including the official handover of power and transfer of the presidential sash and insignia at the Presidential Palace in Cotonou, as well as 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 shaped by border security, trade policies, and energy cooperation.
Also significant to Nigeria is the stability, peace, and deepened integration of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), to which President Tinubu has remained committed since assuming office despite existing challenges in the sub-region.
The Vice President, accompanied by senior aides and top government officials, is expected to return to Nigeria after the engagement in the Republic of Benin.
Deji Elumoye
