Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Erediauwa
By Adibe Emenyonu
The re-election bid of Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole got a boost Thursday with his formal endorsement by the Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Erediauwa.
The monarch gave his endorsement when Oshiomhole led leaders of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in the state to the oba’s palace for his blessing and support.
He said the governor’s achievement in the past three years was what endeared him to the palace.
Erediauwa, who spoke through two top chiefs, the Iyase of Bini Kingdom, Chief Sam Igbe, and the Esogban of Bini Kingdom, Chief David Edebiri, during the governor’s visit in his palace said: “One good term deserves another.”
Igbe, who prayed for the governor on behalf of the oba, said: “You had a good first term and a good term deserves another. Whatever you want, you will get because the Bini people are not ungrateful people, they will return you to complete all the development projects you are doing. You have made Benin beautiful, and the Bini people will show their gratitude.”
In a prayer he said through Igbe, the Benin monarch urged Oshiomhole to start celebrating.
According to him, “We will not reward evil with good. God will give you strength. The only way to thank you for what you have done is through our votes. Whoever wants to contest this election should come and say what he has done.”
On his part, Edebiri, who responded to the governor on behalf of the royal father said: “You want to go into battle, you will return safely. Whatever the oba has to say, he has said so many times. Some of us have spoken on behalf of the monarch several times. The oba speaks through the Iyase and the palace chiefs.
“I was coming to the palace one day and I met a multitude of people and I asked, what is happening? They said the governorship candidate of the PDP is inside. I quickly told my driver to reverse the car because I didn’t see the Iyase’s car and if I came to the palace, it would be my lot to pray for him and I didn’t want to pray for a candidate who will not pass.
“Adams Oshiomhole is the Bini candidate. He is the one who wants Benin-City to join other modern cities in the country, so he is our candidate. Some people said the palace is playing politics. What is politics? The oba himself is an embodiment of politics.
“If you have a house and you are old and your children did not come to paint the house and somebody from outside came and painted it and decorate it for you; will you leave that person? Once again, we are voting for Adams Oshiomhole.
“As the Odionwere of Bini Kingdom and I am speaking on behalf of the oba, you are going to win. The oracle has spoken. Anyone who disputes it or fights against the oracle, then let him fight on, we will wait and see the result.”
On his part, the Benin monarch said: “My chiefs have spoken through prayers. We are waiting to see what happens. Good luck to you.”
Earlier, Oshiomhole had informed the Benin monarch that the World Bank had approved $100 million grant for the Benin Storm Water project, noting that the bank’s representatives were happy with the level of work done, just as he added that they (World Bank) hoped to urge other states to emulate the Edo State’s design.
“We will discreetly restructure Benin-City so that during your reign, you will see a beautiful city. With your support, I will take Edo State to the next level. We believe we will do better in our second term because we have a House of Assembly that is supportive. Even the international community has recognised our efforts,” he said.