2015 Polls : No Chief Mandated To Speak For The Oba – Iyase Of Benin, Others

The Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba of Benin has never mandated any of his Chiefs to speak or make any political statement(s) on his behalf, especially as to the choice  of a political leader for favour in the forthcoming election.
This stand was made known through  a communiqué by palace Chiefs jointly signed by Iyase of Benin chief Igbe, Oliha of Benin Chief Edionwe Oliha, Eribo of Benin Chief Oviasogie, Esere of Benin Chief Uzamere and Eguezigbon of Benin Chief Osemiwota Obamwonyi.
The Communique stated further that more worrisome to the palace is the political campaign strategy which some electronic media in the state have been running since the past few days to boost up support for a particular political party.
Surprisingly, the visit of His Royal Highness, the Edaiken N’ Uselu, to the presidency, several months ago, which was meant to express/pledge the support/loyalty of the Benin Monarch and his people for/to the president’s government, is thus being unscrupulously used by overzealous politicians to whip up sentiments and boost support for their party in Edo South Senatorial District in particular (and Edo State in general).
“The Oba Palace as well as its chiefs, seriously consider this somewhat image-tarnishing development vis-à-vis the Oba Palace and should outrightly be discouraged by those politicians concerned. Media houses are enjoined to bear this  in mind.”
The communiqué called on the general public and reminded that the Omo N’Oba has always believed that all citizens participating in political activities or are in one political party or the other, are his subjects.  The Omo N’Oba, at the same time, prays to the Almighty God and his ancestors to give our great country (and Edo State) politicians who will accord the traditional institution nationwide its pride of place in our constitution including role for traditional rulers in the administrative dispensation of the country, respect the traditional institutions generally; and empower and give employment to the teeming unemployed citizens and improve the country’s (and Edo State’s) economy to the extent that every citizen gets the proverbial three square meals a day.
:”Once a politician has been elected by the people, it is the responsibility of the traditional Institutions to help him/her and his/her government succeed.”