Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has urged Nigerians to support continuity in governance, saying there is no point in seeking change for its own sake.
 
The monarch spoke yesterday when the Director-General of the Presidential Campaign Council (PCC), Abdulaziz Yari, led members of the council to the Benin Palace to seek royal blessings, prayers and support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.
 
Oba Ewuare II said the Benin throne is not partisan, adding that his position should not be interpreted as support for any political party.
 
“The Benin throne is not partisan. There is no point in change for the sake of change. That is not to say that I belong to one party or the other,” he said.
 
The monarch appealed to former governors, senators, and other political leaders to work together in the country’s interest, stressing the importance of cooperation between the ruling party and the opposition.
 
“In a democracy, there must be opposition when a party comes to power. I don’t see why an opposition party can’t support the ruling party,” he said.
 
Oba Ewuare II also cautioned against excessive criticism of political leaders, noting that nobody is perfect.
 
“Is there anybody who is so perfect as I am talking now? Nobody. I love and like peace and tranquillity. I am American, and British-trained as a diplomat, and I say it the way it is,” he said.
 
Earlier, Yari thanked the monarch for the reception and explained that the delegation was at the palace to seek royal blessings and support for the re-election bid of Tinubu.
 
“Our mission today is simple: The President formed the campaign council for his re-election. We are here to seek royal blessings, prayers, and support for the re-election of your son, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, come 2027,” Yari said.