…Says Oshiomhole is an adopted son of the Palace
BY VICTOR BUORO, ABUJA – The Palace of the Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Omo N’ Oba N ‘Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare Il, has condemned in the strongest terms what it described as “the malicious attacks” on the integrity President Muhammadu Buhari and all other persons in a video anchored by one Eranomigho Edegbe in which hurled invectives and insults at the president and few respected persons.
The Oba of Benin in distancing himself from the recent video by Edegbe trending on social media in which he claimed to have the authority of the palace, said that his love for Mr. President is unparalleled as the relationship shared date back to the days of His Royal Majesty, Oba Erediauwa (of blessed memory), the immediate past Oba of Benin.
“This relationship was further strengthened when Mr. President headed the Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF).
“His Excellency was always very nice, warm, respectful and accommodating to our father HIS ROYAL MAJESTY OBA EREDIAUWA. Mr. President has extended same to HIS ROYAL MAJESTY, OMO N’OBA N’EDO, UKU AKPOLOKPOLO, EWUARE Il, OBA OF BENIN.
These were contained in a statement by the Secretary Benin Traditional Council, Frank Irabor, in which he said that the Palace of His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare Il, Oba of Benin, wants to make it categorically and irrevocably clear that the said video and the contents therein was not commissioned nor was it encouraged by the Oba whatsoever.
Irabor said; “In our avowed stance of non-partisanship, we are in constant prayers that His Excellency’s desires are fully manifest in Edo State for the benefit of the Benin Royal Family, Edo people and, the nation as a whole. Thus, our prayers and support for Mr. President is enormous.”
The Palace also said the former governor of Edo State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole has always respected not just the traditional institutions in Edo State, but also the Palace of the Oba of Benin, adding that Oshiomhole’s affection for their father, who adopted the Comrade as a son is well known. Irabor further states; “This relationship was also reinforced during his tenure as Executive Governor of Edo State. We were happy to convene a send-forth for him upon the expiration of his two-terms, where HIS ROYAL MAJESTY used the Ada of the ancestors to pray for his protection, a thing quite rare in Benin custom; we are glad that the prayers said on him continue to be efficacious in all his endeavours”.
Commenting on Captain Hosa Okunbor, the Benin Palace described him as an illustrious son of the Palace of the Oba of Benin, who at all times has worked in support of the Palace as a son of the Oba of Benin, saying that there can be nothing but goodwill and positive prayers for this distinguished son of Benin Kingdom.
The Palace statement further states; “These utterances and behaviour of Eranomigho and his cohorts show that they are not happy and comfortable with the cordial relationship between the Palace of the Oba of Benin and the Presidency.
“Furthermore, it shows that some disgruntled elements like Eranomigho have deep animosity against Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and Captain Hosa Okunbo.
“The video under reference, and all such made in similar vein should be seen for what they really are, as they seek to propagate ‘fake news’, misinformation, disaffection, and misrepresentation for their own selfish and mischievous intentions.
“The recent fake news is akin to an audio one that claimed HIS ROYAL MAJESTY has directed all Bini people not to sweep their homes for three days in order to avoid the Corona virus pandemic which they knew very well was contrary to keeping everywhere disinfected as well as hand washing, using hand sanitizers and practicing social distancing protocols, all part of the NCDC PANDEMIC PREVENTION MEASURES. We also had to rebut that immediately.
“The antecedents of social media rats and their roguish antics and activities are a global malaise, and should not be taken seriously by rational, reasonable and responsible members of society as their action is driven by their quest to satisfy their hunger and their desperation to scrounge for a means of livelihood.
“We wish to reassure His Excellency, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and all mentioned in the video that they enjoy the confidence and goodwill of His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare Il, Oba of Benin.
“We use this medium to sound a note of caution to members of the public to totally disregard and discountenance the statements made in the said video and to further warn that this attempt and similar attempts to bring the Palace of the Oba of Benin and the revered institution of the Benin monarchy into disrepute shall be met stiffly within the parameters of the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the traditional processes of the Benin Kingdom.
“Eranomigho and his cohorts are hereby 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. The Benin Traditional Council hereby demands an unreserved apology from Eranomigho in other to avert the consequences,” the Benin Palace enthused.
