The Oba of Benin, in Edo State, has said that the Palace does not meddle into partisan politics, and has no special or preferred Candidate for the September 19, Governorship election in the State,
The very Revered Monarch, stated this on Saturday, when he received the All Progressives Congress, APC, Candidate for the forthcoming election, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, and other Governors elected under the platform of the APC, as the Campaign for the party kicked off.
The entourage visited the Oba at his Palace in Benin City, the State capital, during the flag-off of the party’s Governorship Campaign in the State.
While praying for the APC’s Candidate, Oba Ewuare said that the Palace of the Oba of Benin does not choose any side when it comes to politics, but can only go with the will of the people of Edo State.
His words: “I want to stress that no matter what anybody might think, we will remain non-partisan, because we are expected as we are perceived by our people, because of the expectations of our people, and because of the laid down rules and guidelines of our ancestors, we must be a father to everybody.
“We are not expected to lean either way to this or to that, to anybody, because we see every Candidate as our children, so we pray for everybody. We cannot lean towards a particular Candidate; however, only God and our ancestors, know the mind of man.”
He, however, noted that the Palace has not been happy with the recent events in the State, and advised that everyone should pray for a peaceful election in Edo State.
He added: “There is nothing as powerful as prayers. As you go about your campaign, go about it peacefully, and without bitterness.”
Concluding, the Oba went on to advise all players in the Edo political scene, to avoid conflict, as they go about their political campaigns, stressing that, the Palace is not against any Candidate, and that when the people have chosen their Leader via the ballot box, then it is only customary that he as King, will pray for the chosen one, so that the Governor can succeed in Office.
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