BY: Eben Enasco Kingsley, Benin
The Benin Traditional Council has resolved that hence forth, the Omo N’ Oba N’ Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba of Benin be left out of political matters, and has not mandated any of his chiefs to speak or make any political comments on his behalf especially as to the choric of any political leaders in the forth coming general elections.
This call was part of the communiqué issued by the palace chiefs during a press briefing at the palace I n Benin City delivered by the Iyasere of Benin, Chief Sam Igbe.
According to the palace chiefs through the Iyase of Benin Kingdom,” it has come to the notice of the Oba Palace, Benin City, and the entire chiefs of the Oba of Benin, that since the present political activities involving various politicians in the contest for various political officers in the impending elections, in our Edo State in particular, some of our chiefs have claimed to have made political statements on behalf of the Oba Palace chiefs led by the Iyasere of Benin, have met and duly resolve that the Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, 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 favor in the forthcoming election”.
He further disclosed how worrisome the omo N’ oba has been, based on strategic plan by politicians and some segment of media reporters during campaigns; asserting that politicians must apply issue base strategy to counter oppositions.
In his words, “More worrisome to the Oba Palace is the political campaign strategy which some electronic media in the state have been running, since the past few days, to boost up support for a particular party. Surprisingly, the visit of his royal Highness, the Ediaken N’Uselu, to the presidency, several months ago, which was meant to express/pledge the support/loyalty of the Benin Monarch and his people for/to the President’s government, is thus being unscrupulously used by overzealous politicians to whip up sentiments and boost support of the people for their party in Edo South Senatorial District in particular (and Edo State in general). The Oba Palace, as well as its chiefs, seriously considers this somewhat image-tarnishing concerned. Media houses are enjoined to bear this in mind.
He explained that, In the circumstance, the general public is hereby reminded that the Omo N’Oba has always believed that all citizens participating in political activities or are in one political party or the other, are his subjects, and while loving all, as well as the non-politicians, the Omo N’Oba, at the same time, prays to the almighty God and the ancestors to give our great country (and Edo State) politicians who will; accord the traditional institutions nationwide its pride of place I our constitution, including role for traditional rulers in the administrative dispensation of the country and Respect the traditional institutions generally. Empower and give employment to the teaming unemployed citizens and improve the country’s (and Edo State’s) economy to the extent that every citizen (or the common man) get the proverbial three square meals a day
Once a politician has been elected by the people, it is the responsibility of the traditional institutions to help him/her and his/her government succeeds”, he remarked.
“We, the entire chiefs of the Oba of Benin, strongly believe in the foregoing royal statements, and therefore urge all and sundry (including the politicians) to take same as firmly the stand of the Oba Palace”, he echoed.
