Ismail Abdulazeez Mantu Reporting
Edo State, Nigeria
The Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo Oba Ewuare II, has openly corrected Olumide Akpata, the Edo State Labour Party’s governorship candidate, for erroneously claiming to be a “Son of the Palace.”
This incident unfolded during Akpata’s courtesy visit to the revered monarch, where he sought blessings ahead of the upcoming election.
Akpata, addressing the Oba and the gathered audience, expressed his confidence in garnering support from the people of Edo State.
“I convince the people of Edo State to give us their mandate. As I have said, I am a Benin man, son of the palace, and I feel comfortable to sit beside the throne. I am at the palace to report to His Royal Majesty that the Labour Party is strong and vibrant, and we will go to all the 18 LGAs and the 193 wards to speak to the people,” Akpata declared.
However, the Oba of Benin swiftly addressed Akpata’s claim, stating, “I do not recognize you as the son of the palace. I only recognize you as an industrious son of the soil, a true indigenous son of the soil, but to say a son of the palace, I am not aware of any son of the Royal Palace contesting or a politician.” The Oba emphasized the need for clarity to ensure the public understood that no child of the palace was involved in political contests.
In his remarks, the Oba also highlighted his previous support for Akpata during his tenure with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), mentioning his intervention with El-Rufai to assist Akpata. “I am not against you, but I needed to make clarification on your identity as the son of the palace. Rather, you are a son of the soil and not of the palace,” the Oba concluded.
In response, Akpata expressed gratitude for the clarification, acknowledging the distinction made by the Oba.