Benin Monarch, Omo N’oba N’edo Uku Akpolokpolo Oba Ewuare II has clarified and maintained the neutrality of the Palace of the Benin Kingdom in the forth coming governorship election in Edo State, saying, he’s not aware that any son of the Oba current or of blessed memory who do refer to themselves as son of the Palace involved or contesting in the forthcoming governorship election in the state.
Oba Ewuare II made the clarification on Saturday when former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party Presidential candidate in the last general elections in Nigeria, Peter Obi led the Labour Party governorship candidate in the forthcoming Edo State guber poll, Barrister Olumide Akpata to officially informed the Benin Monarch of the electioneering interest and seek Royal blessings in the forthcoming governorship race.
Barrister Olumide Akpata had introduced himself as the son of the Palace while speaking the visit.
According to the Benin Monarch, the statement made him to make enquiring from one of the Palace chiefs to know if truly the Labour Party candidate is one of the sons of the Palace, and in clear terms, Oba Ewaure II said based on the information from the Palace Chief, he’s not aware of any son of the Palace contesting in the governorship poll.
The Benin Monarch said that there are people who maybe distantly related to the Palace that are not actually members of the Royal Family that do often address themselves as children of the Palace, adding that, he’s not aware of any child of the Palace into Politics for the sake of the Press and clarification before the public.
Olumide Akpata quickly responded and withdrew his earlier statement that he’s a son of the Palace and apologized to the Benin Monarch.
That aside, Peter Obi in a tweet said that: “Today, in Benin City, Edo State Capital, I joined the Labour Party gubernatorial candidate, Barrister Olumide Akpata, and his running mate, Alhaji Yusuf Kadiri, as they officially launched their campaign for the Edo State Governorship 2024 elections.
Also with us were the National leadership of the Party, including Distinguished Senators, Neda Imasuen, Victor Umeh, Chief Kelvin Chukwu, and Dr Tony Nwoye, and our numerous LP members, and well-wishers.
The campaign in Edo State, aimed to connect with the people and spread our message of hope and transformation for a new Nigeria.
It started from our LP Gubernatorial candidate campaign Secretariat and concluded with a courtesy visit to the Palace of the Oba of Benin, where we sought royal blessings for free, fair, and credible elections and reaffirmed our commitment to Edo State’s welfare and prosperity”
On his own, the Labour Party Governorship candidate, OLumide Akpata said: “the streets of Benin City pulsed with energy today as we officially flagged off the Labour Party’s Nigeria Labour campaign for the 2024 Edo Gubernatorial elections. Alongside our National leader, Mr Peter Obi, and party stalwarts from across the country, we marched through the iconic streets of Benin City, witnessing the people’s palpable yearnings for change.
Under a Labour Party-led administration, the dreams of Edolites will no longer be deferred. We will be the unstoppable force that shatters the shackles of stagnation and ushers in an era of unprecedented growth and empowerment.
Edo, the time is now! The Labour Party campaign train has arrived, and we are coming to a city, town, or community near you!”
Olumide Akpata had earlier in another event previos days, said he’s not making campaign promises but covenant to the people.
“Yesterday’s campaign stops took us from the vibrant Egor Market Women Leaders to the bustling aisles of Mission Road Market, then to the lively Butcher Street Market, before wrapping up in the warm embrace of the Useh Community. At each stop, one thing was clear: Edo’s heart beats with potential waiting to be unleashed.
To every trader who paused his or her trade, every artisan who set down his or her tools, and every community member who waited late into the evening – your time and trust humble me. Your stories fuel our mission: an Edo State where everyone, not just a few, thrives”.