The Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, has backed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s bid for a second term, urging Nigerians to support continuity in governance ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The monarch spoke on Tuesday when the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council (PCC), led by its Director-General, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, visited the Benin Royal Palace in Edo State to seek his prayers, royal blessings and support for Tinubu’s re-election bid.
The delegation included Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume; former Sokoto State Governor, Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko; former Kebbi State Governor, Senator Adamu Aleiro; former Kano State Governor and former APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje; and former Katsina State Governor and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Bello Masari.
Also on the delegation were former Senate President Pius Anyim, Minister of Water Resources, and the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, among other members of the campaign council.
The Edo State Deputy Governor, Dennis Idahosa, received the delegation on behalf of Governor Monday Okpebholo before introducing them to the monarch.
Yari conveyed Tinubu’s greetings to the Oba and appealed for his blessing and support for the President’s second-term ambition.
He also highlighted what he described as achievements of the Tinubu administration, including improvements in food prices, the stabilisation of the naira and the construction of inter-regional roads.
Responding, Oba Ewuare II thanked Tinubu for the warm reception he received during his recent visit to the State House in Abuja and expressed appreciation to the delegation for visiting the palace.
The monarch prayed for Tinubu to secure another four-year mandate, saying leaders who are doing well should be allowed to continue their programmes.
“For somebody who is doing well, it is our prayer that he gets a renewed mandate,” the Oba said.
He added in Pidgin: “As he dey pain them, he dey sweet us.”
The monarch also urged Nigerians and opposition parties to cooperate with the President where his administration was making progress.
“Let he who is without sin cast the first stone,” he said. “If one is doing well, why not join hands with the President to do what he is doing well? Let President Tinubu finish the good work.”
Oba Ewuare II further said there was no need to change a government merely for the sake of change, while stressing that the Benin traditional institution remained non-partisan.
He urged political leaders to put national interest above partisan differences and asked the delegation to convey his best wishes and appreciation to Tinubu for the hospitality extended to him during his Abuja visit.
About the Author
