Don’t Turn Edo Into War Zone, Oba Of Benin Tells Political Parties

The Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II has urged political parties not to turn Edo State into a war zone.

The Benin Monarch’s statement was in reaction to the clash between the two major parties in the state; the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressive Congress (APC) when the incumbent Governor, Godwin Obaseki and his party cheiftains paid a visit to the palace.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Oba Ewuare II stressed the non-partisan position of the palace.

The Oba said the governorship ambitions of the political party members should not make them turn the state into a war zone.

“The BTC wish to state that His Royal Majesty warmly welcomed the August visitors led by Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo,” the Benin Monarch stated.

“The meeting was cordial. During the meeting, the Oba recalled the warm reception accorded him by Governor  Nyesom Wike and Governor  Aminu Tambuwal when he paid a Thank You visit to both states. The courtesy of the esteemed August visitors to the monarch enbded very well.

“We were therefore surprised to hear later that there was an incident outside the Palace, directly in front of Oredo Local Government Secretariat. His Royal Majesty condemns this unruly behaviour that occurred in front of the Palace.

“We wish to emphasise once more that the Benin throne is not partisan. The BTC uses this medium to advise all political party members not to turn Edo State into a war zone because of gubernatorial ambition.

His Royal Majesty is committed to peace and tranquility in the state and, peaceful upcoming gubernatorial election.”