The Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, recently addressed statements made by Olumide Akpata, the Labour Party’s gubernatorial candidate in Edo State, regarding his supposed affiliation with the Benin royal family. In response to Akpata’s claim of being a “son of the Palace,” the Oba clarified that there is no birth relation between Akpata and the Benin royal lineage.
This clarification by the Oba was deemed necessary by some elders from the Edo Socio-Cultural Advancement and Good Governance Initiative, who expressed dismay over what they described as disrespectful behavior towards the Oba by some of Akpata’s supporters. The coalition, through its spokesperson Comrade Melvin Irabor, condemned the insults and abuses directed at the Oba on various social media platforms.
In their statement to reporters in Benin City, the coalition emphasized that the Oba’s correction of Akpata’s statement was justified, as it is essential for the Oba to maintain impartiality and clarity regarding matters concerning the royal lineage and affiliations. They underscored the Oba’s role as a unifying figure and a spokesperson for the kingdom’s heritage, stressing that such corrections are necessary to uphold the integrity of the Palace.
Furthermore, the coalition urged political parties, including the Labour Party, to conduct their campaigns with respect and focus on addressing issues rather than resorting to disrespectful behavior towards traditional institutions. They reiterated that the Oba of Benin wishes success to all candidates in the election and should not be subjected to unwarranted insults or abuse.
Overall, the statement by the coalition reflects a call for civility in political discourse and a reaffirmation of the Oba’s position as a revered leader and cultural symbol in Edo State.