The Oba of Benin, the premier traditional ruler in Edo state, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, has raised objection to two political cultures he identified as “vices” in Edo politics- “godfatehrism” and “consensus candidate.”
The royal father in a statement on Thursday said that those two controversial elements are antithetical to the fundamental basis of democracy.
The political climate in Edo state has been charged in the build up to the September governorship election in the state which has pitched the governor, Godwin Obaseki and his predecessor and now suspended national chairman of the party, Adams Oshiomhole against each other.
The former governor is believed to be backing PDP guber candidate in the 2016 race, Osagie Ize-Iyamu who has since defected to the APC against the incumbent.
The royal father debunked rumours linking him to any politician or political arrangement insisting that the palace does not get involved in partisan politics.
“The palace totally denounces this evil speculation and condemns those that originated it,” the statement read.
“His Royal Majesty, Omo N‘Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpoiokpolo, the Oba of Benin has said times without number that the Palace of the Oba of Benin does not get involved in partisan politics. The three prayer points of the Oba of Benin in the democratic process have always been as follows; that God and our ancestors should give us a governor that will accord respect to traditional institutions, develop this state and provide food on the table for the masses.”
