By DADA AYOKHAI
The celebration of Governor Monday Okpebholo’s first 100 days in office recently provided a platform for the Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo Ewuare II to openly address his grievances with the former Edo state governor.Mr Godwin Obaseki.
While outlining the perceived wrongs committed by the former governor against the palace, the Oba, though indirect in his remarks, referred to Obaseki as an “enemy” of the palace.
In stark contrast, he addressed the sitting governor as a “friend.”
In a statement signed by Chief S. O. Obamwonyi on behalf of the palace, Oba Ewuare II extended heartfelt congratulations to Governor Okpebholo on his 100th day in office and praised him for reversing some of the anti-palace policies enacted by his predecessor.
In a veiled reference to the former governor’s nickname, “Akpakomiza,” the Oba criticized the administration of the former governor, portraying him negatively.
, The Oba claimed that the former governor took significant steps to undermine the Benin traditional institution, concluding by saying: “The enemy of my friend is my enemy; Akpakomiza is truly Akpakomiza.”
The Oba expressed his admiration for the incumbent governor, Sen. Okpebholo, thanking him for restoring the respect and glory of the traditional institutions, particularly that of the ancient Benin kingdom, which came under severe attacks by his predecessor.
Oba Ewuare II praised Sen. Okpebholo for having the courage to abolish the Edo Traditional Council created by his predecessor in blatant disregard for the long-established customs and laws of the Benin people.
He noted that the governor’s actions reflected a deep respect for the state’s diverse cultural heritage and the Benin kingdom, asserting that future generations would fondly remember him for this.
Further reflecting on the tense relationship between the palace and former Gov Obaseki, Oba Ewuare II expressed satisfaction with the recent turn of events, emphasizing that Gov Okpebholo as a “true homeboy” has taken practical steps to “douse” the tension as well as restore “respect” to the Benin traditional institution.
The Oba’s statement highlighted a series of grievances against the palace during the Obaseki administration, which it noted was aimed at marginalising and undermining the ancient Benin traditional institution.
Among the grievances listed were attempts to expropriate ancestral artefacts belonging to the palace, the unauthorized creation of the Edo South Traditional Council contrary to local customs and laws, and the revocation of the concession for the Oba Akenzua II Cultural Centre.
Oba Ewuare II commended Gov. Okpevbolo for rectifying the injustices meted out to the palace, stating that his actions had helped restore harmony and describing him as a “courageous statesman.”
The revered monarch also offered prayers for divine guidance and protection for Sen. Okpebholo, expressing his explicit confidence in his ability to lead the state.
Oba of Benin Expresses Admiration for Okpebholo, Tags Obaseki As Enemy
