The Oba of Benin, Oba Erediauwa, today revealed that he has not endorsed any candidate or political party for any elective position in the forthcoming general elections.
The Benin Traditional Council made this known at a media briefing at the Oba's palace as it touches on issues surrounding political activities in the state.
It would be recalled that some palace chiefs had been reported to have made claims and counterclaims over the endorsement of some candidates, including President Goodluck Jonathan and Major-General Muhammadu Buhari, on behalf of the Oba.
However in a communique read by the Iyase of Benin, Chief Sam Igbe, the traditional council stated that, "The Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolopkolo, Oba of Benin, has never mandated any of his chiefs to speak or make any political statement(s) on his behalf, especially as to the choice of a political leader for favour in the forthcoming election."
The communique maintained that it is worrisome to the monarch, that a previous statement made by the monarch, during the visit of the Crown Prince and Edaiken N’ Uselu, His Royal Highness Eheneden Erediauwa, to President Jonathan, several months ago, was being, “unscrupulously used” in the media by overzealous politicians to whip up sentiments for their party, especially in Edo South senatorial district.
The traditional council said, "The Oba Palace, as well as its chiefs, seriously consider this somewhat image-tarnishing development vis-a-vis the Oba Palace and should outrightly be discouraged by those politicians concerned. Media houses are enjoined to bear this in mind.
"The Oba regards all politicians under his kingdom as his subjects and prays to the Almighty God and the ancestors to provide good leaders who were interested in the welfare of the people, through the provision of security, basic infrastructure and employment for the unemployed citizens."
Photo credit: Vanguard
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