By Kolawole Ojebisi
Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, has denied claims bordering on influencing candidates’ emergence at the upcoming party primaries in Edo state, but instead averred that “consensus candidate” and “godfatherism” are political vices that should not be encouraged in democracy.
In a statement on Thursday, the monarch said these two “political vices” are antithetical to the fundamental basis of democracy. The statement was released by Mr. Frank Irabor, Secretary to the Benin Traditional Council.
To close political observers, the Royal father might well be counselling his two children (Both Governor Obaseki and Pastor Ize-Iyamu are Benins, the two leading contenders in the Edo governorship race) to run a transparent contest for the governorship seat devoid of consensus and god-fatherism as well as distancing himself from political issues.
Recall that The New Diplomat had reported how the PDP has been engaging in political horse-trading and negotiation to get the three other aspirants that picked PDP governorship nomination forms to step down for Governor Obaseki. The three governorship aspirants that reportedly picked PDP nomination forms are: Barrister Kenneth Imansaungbon(alias Rice Man), Hon Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama, and Engr Gideon Ikhine. Both Imansuangbon and Ikhine are from Edo Central senatorial zone while Ogbeide-Ihama hails from Edo South Senatorial zone just like Obaseki.
“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.
“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.”
The oba said the palace is “very weary” of the imposition of candidates whom only certain individuals want, not the majority.
“Ghana Must Go politics should end in the State. Politicians should stop cashing in on the poor masses and exploiting them for their votes,” he said.
“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.”
Recall also that in the struggle for the soul of Edo state, both Governor Obaseki and his estranged benefactor, comrade Adams Oshiomhole, the immediate past governor of Edo state have been engaged in a protracted political disagreements that have escalated.
This has led to entrenched two extreme positions with some external forces backing Gov Obaseki just as some external forces are said to be equally backing Pastor Ize-Iyamu. To close political watchers, the royal father is unhappy with this trend and wants both aspirants to contest freely and fairly under a fair atmosphere, and whoever is able to garner grassroots or citizens support to win should be acceptable to all.
