Oba of Benin says palace remains neutral in politics

The Oba of Benin, Omo N’ Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare N’Ogidgan 11, yesterday, explained that the Palace of the Oba of Benin does not get involved in partisan politics.

The highly revered Oba stated this when he received the APC’s candidate and the governors elected under the platform of APC, who visited him in his Palace in Benin City, Edo State, during the flag off of the party’s governorship campaign in the state yesterday.

Oba Ewuare, who along with his palace chiefs, prayed and gave Ize-Iyamu the traditional bless, said even though he was elated over the endorsement of the APC’s candidate by the President, the Palace of the Oba of Benin does not get involved in partisan politics.

He strongly advised that in order to avoid recurrent socio-political conflict that seems to regularly ravish the state, making the state a laughing stock to the rest of the country on how politicians manage their affairs, Edo political actors should eradicate the twin evil of political violence.

Oba Ewuare 11 prayed for peace during and after the state governorship election slated for September 19, advising all stakeholders to play by the rules.

Earlier, while speaking, Ize-Iyamu said he was in the Palace, in line with the Benin tradition and culture to inform the Oba that the APC’s leaders were in his domain, Benin City, for the flag off of the party’s governorship election and requested for his blessing and prayer.

Those who were at the Palace with Ize-Iyamu include, the Caretaker National Chairman of APC and Governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni; Executive Governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje; Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi State; Deputy Senate President, Senator Obarisi Ovie Omo-Agege; Chairman APC Edo State, Col. David Imuse (rtd) and others.