Oba of Benin urges continuity in governance, backs Tinubu’s re-election bid

The Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku’Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, has called for continuity in governance, cautioning Nigerians against clamouring for change merely for the sake of change.

The monarch spoke Tuesday at the Benin Palace when the Director-General of the Presidential Campaign Council (PCC), Abdulaziz Yari, led members of the council on a visit to seek his royal blessings, prayers and support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.

Oba Ewuare II, however, stressed that the Benin traditional institution remained non-partisan and that his comments should not be interpreted as an endorsement of any political party.

According to him, democratic governance requires cooperation among political actors, including those in government and the opposition.

“The Benin throne is not partisan. There is no point for change for the sake of change. That is not to say that I belong to one party or the other,” he said.

The monarch also appealed to former governors, senators and other political leaders to put national interest above partisan considerations.

He maintained that although opposition was an essential component of democracy, political parties could still cooperate with the government in areas that would benefit the country.

“In democracy there must be opposition when a party comes to power. I don’t see why an opposition party can’t support the ruling party,” he said.

Oba Ewuare II further urged Nigerians to moderate their criticisms of political leaders, stressing that no individual was perfect.

“Is there anybody who is so perfect as I am talking now? Nobody. I love and like peace and tranquillity. I am American and British trained as a diplomat, and I say it the way it is,” the monarch said.

Earlier, Yari explained that the delegation was at the palace primarily to obtain the monarch’s blessings and prayers for Tinubu’s second-term ambition.

“Our mission today is simple: Mr. President formed the campaign council for his re-election. We are here to seek royal blessings, prayers, and support for the re-election of your son, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, come 2027,” he said.

Yari, a former governor of Zamfara state, also highlighted what he described as achievements of the Tinubu administration, particularly in the economy.

He claimed that the country’s annual Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth had increased from 2.7 per cent in 2023 to 3.9 per cent, while inflation dropped from 22.9 per cent to 15.9 per cent.

The PCC Director-General further said the administration had succeeded in stabilising the foreign exchange market, describing Tinubu as the appropriate candidate to continue leading the country.

Also speaking, Edo state deputy governor, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, expressed appreciation to the Oba for granting the delegation audience and offering his royal blessings.