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The Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Omo N‘Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpoiokpolo, Oba Ewuare II has charged politicians in Edo State to completely shun Godfatherism and the idea of ‘consensus candidate’, ahead of the September governorship election in the state.
In a statement on Thursday, Oba Ewuare II described godfatherism and the idea of consensus candidate as a twin political vices that are “antithetical to the very fundamental basis of democracy” and called on politicians to put an end to it so as not to make Edo people a laughing stock to the rest of the country.
The Oba debunked rumours that his intervention in some political matters led to some aspirants stepping down for a consensus candidate, stressing the place of partisanship of the palace in the political affairs of the state.
“The palace totally denounces this evil speculation and condemns those that originated it,” said the monarch.
“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.
“The Omo N’Oba strongly advises that in order to eschew recurrent socio political conflict that seems to constantly ravish the state, making Edo people a laughing stock to the rest of the country in how politicians manage the affairs of Edo people, our Edo political actors must eradicate the twin evil political vices of Godfatherism and CONSENSUS CANDIDATE.
“These two practices seem antithetical to the very fundamental basis of democracy. In other words this business of coercing aspirants to step down for another candidate for whatsoever reason is undemocratic It will not augur well for the development of democratic process in Nigeria.”
Oba Ewuare said the palace is very weary of candidate imposition which does a great disservice to the mass of the people but serve the interest of the politicians alone.
“Ghana Must Go politics should end in the State. Politicians should stop cashing in on the poor masses and exploiting them for their votes,” the Oba added.
“As the various political parties go about the process of selecting their candidates through their respective party primaries, we urge all to exercise the highest standards of maturity and sportsmanship, as the desire to bring about the best for the people of Edo State cannot be compromised nor sacrificed on the altar of intolerance, rumour mongering and fake news.
“Rumour mongers are reminded that there is an ancestral curse on anyone who attempts to tarnish the image of the Oba of Benin and the ancient throne of Benin Kingdom, which will normally be for their selfish ends.”
