A viral video showing the convoy of the Edo State Governor trapped in a flooded road in Benin City has sent shockwaves across social media, reigniting public debate over the state’s poor infrastructure and flood control measures.

The footage, which surfaced on Monday, captures several official vehicles struggling to navigate through deep, muddy water while onlookers record the scene. The governor’s entourage was reportedly en route to an official engagement when they encountered the impassable road, forcing the convoy to a halt for several minutes. Eyes Of Lagos reports,

Benin Flood Paralyzes Movement

Eyewitnesses confirmed that the incident took place after hours of torrential rainfall, which left multiple streets across Benin City submerged.

The specific stretch of road, believed to be one of the city’s major access routes, had become heavily waterlogged due to blocked drainage channels and poor road maintenance — a recurring problem that residents say has been ignored for years.

“The drainage systems in this area have completely collapsed,” one eyewitness told local reporters. “Every time it rains, the roads turn into rivers. Even government convoys are not spared anymore.”

Public Reactions: “Nature No Dey Do VIP”

Within hours, the video dominated discussions on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook, attracting thousands of reactions from Nigerians both within and outside Edo State.

Many users mocked the situation, describing it as an ironic twist that government officials were finally experiencing the same hardship faced daily by ordinary citizens.

One user commented, “Nature no dey do VIP — whether governor or not, flood go flood everybody.” Another added, “Since they won’t fix the roads, at least we’re all suffering together now.”

The phrase “Nature no dey do VIP” quickly began trending, with many Nigerians using it as a symbol of shared frustration over neglected infrastructure and unfulfilled political promises.

However, others viewed the incident more seriously, urging the Edo State Government to treat the embarrassment as a wake-up call. They argued that if such floods could halt the governor’s movement, it underscores the urgent need for structural investment in road and drainage networks.

Calls for Accountability and Action

Civic activists and residents have since renewed calls for the rehabilitation of flood-prone roads across Benin City. They emphasized that while heavy rainfall is a natural occurrence, the devastating impact of floods is a result of human negligence, poor urban planning, and inadequate drainage systems.

“Flooding isn’t new, but our response is the problem,” said a local community leader. “The government needs to implement sustainable drainage and waste management plans — not just patchwork repairs during the rainy season.”

Experts in civil engineering have also urged the government to redesign Benin’s drainage layout, noting that most of the city’s existing systems were constructed decades ago and no longer meet modern urban needs.

Government Response and Public Expectations

Although the Edo State Government has yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident, sources within the Government House hinted that emergency maintenance may soon be carried out on the affected route.

Governor Monday Okpebholo, who has repeatedly emphasized his administration’s SHINE Agenda focused on development and urban renewal, is now under pressure to prove his commitment to infrastructure reform.

Analysts note that this incident could serve as a political turning point, challenging the state leadership to move from rhetoric to tangible results.

A Lesson in Shared Consequences

For many Edo residents, the viral flood video stands as both a moment of humor and a powerful metaphor for Nigeria’s governance challenges. It reminds citizens and leaders alike that no one is immune to the consequences of neglecting basic infrastructure.

Social media users have since called for transparency in ongoing road and drainage projects, urging the state government to release progress reports and allocate resources where they’re most needed.

As the video continues to circulate online, it serves as a vivid reminder that nature spares no one, and that effective governance begins with ensuring that even the most basic public services — roads, drainage, and safety — are functioning as they should.

Video of Edo State governor’s convoy stranded in the fl00d has got a lot of people talking online! 👀 pic.twitter.com/jAaRnfixtK

— TENIOLA (@Teeniiola) October 22, 2025