Monarch cautions politicians against unhealthy rivalry in Edo

The Onojie of Ekpoma, His Royal Highness Zaiki Anthony Abumere II, on Friday, cautioned politicians in Edo State, particularly the Central Senatorial District, to eschew politics of mudslinging and embrace spirit of friendship and sportsmanship in the build-up to the forthcoming general elections.

He made the call during the celebration of the 2022 Eguare-Ekpoma Cultural (Ihuen) Festival, which held at the Ekpoma Royal Palace, Esan West Local Council of Edo State.

The royal father advised politicians to play the game according to the rules and eschew politics of bitterness and hatred, which according to him was unhealthy for democracy and societal growth.

He thanked politicians across political parties, who graced the Ihuen Festival, urging them to always exhibit the same spirit of friendship they demonstrated during the festival, irrespective of political affiliations.

The monarch implored the people of Esan land to take advantage of the ongoing voters’ registration by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to register as voters, in order to vote in new leaders in the 2023 general elections.

On the Ihuen Festival, the monarch explained that it was a yearly event to commemorate the founder of the kingdom, Uda the Great, who was an ancient king of the kingdom.

He said Uda was a great warrior, who fought to defend the kingdom from external aggressors, explaining further that the festival was also an event to mark the end of a year and beginning of a new planting season.