Oba of Benin Breaks Silence On Edo Political Crisis

The Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, oba Ewuare II, oba of Benin finally speaks on the ongoing political crisis in Edo state.

Oba of Benin in a statement signed by Frank Irabor, Secretary to the Benin Traditional Council kicked against imposition and godfatherism in the state.

The statement debunked reports on social media that the Oba of Benin prevailed on some governorship aspirants to step down for one of the aspirants in the upcoming shadow poll of a certain political party.

Osagie Ize-Iyamu, a governorship aspirant in Edo, is reported to be backed by Adams Oshiomhole, suspended national chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC).

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TheCable earlier reported that the coast became clear for Ize-Iyamu after two aspirants dropped out of the race for the party’s ticket and endorsed him.

Oba of Benin’s statement reads thus;

“HRM has said times without number that the palace of the Oba of Benin does not get involved in partisan politics…

“The Omo N’¹Oba strongly advises that in order to eschew recurrent socio-political conflict that seems to constantly ravish the state, making Edo people a laughing stock to the rest of the country on how politicians manage the affairs of Edo people, our Edo political actors must eradicate the twin evil of political vices of godfatherism and consensus candidacy. The two practices seem antithetical to the very fundamental basis of democracy.

“Let everybody take note that the palace is very weary of imposition of candidates, when only certain individuals want, but majority of the people do not want. ‘Ghana must go’ politics should end in the state. Politicians should stop cashing in on the poor masses and exploiting them for their votes.

“We believe all qualified aspirants in any elective office should be given a level-playing field, for democracy to develop to the next level in Nigeria. Political actors should mature up and learn not to wash their dirty linen in public.”