Revered Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, has explained his rejection of godfatherism and consensus candidate in the politics of Edo state, describing them as twin evils.
The monarch in a statement late on Thursday, said these two ‘political vices’ are antithetical to the fundamental basis of democracy. The traditional ruler denied reports suggesting that his palace prevailed on some aspirants to step down “for a particular candidate in the upcoming primaries of a certain political party. The palace totally denounces this evil speculation and condemns those that originated it.”
“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 statement read in part. 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.
