The Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba Nedo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, has called for continuity in governance, saying there is no need to seek change simply for the sake of change.
The monarch spoke in Benin City on Tuesday when the Director-General of the Presidential Campaign Council, PCC, Abdulaziz Yari, led members of the council to the palace to seek his royal blessings, prayers and support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
Oba Ewuare, however, stressed that the Benin throne remained non-partisan and that his remarks should not be interpreted as support for any political party.
“There is no point in seeking change simply for the sake of change.
“That is not to say that I belong to one party or the other,” he said.
The monarch also appealed to former governors, senators and other political leaders to work together in the interest of the country.
He called for greater cooperation between the ruling party and opposition parties, saying the opposition could support the government on issues considered to be in the national interest.
“In democracy, there must be opposition when a party comes to power. I don’t see why an opposition party can’t support the ruling party,” he said.
The Oba also cautioned against excessive criticism of political leaders, noting that nobody was perfect.
Earlier, Yari said the delegation was at the palace to seek the monarch’s royal blessings, prayers and support for President Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.
“Our mission today is simple, we are here to seek royal blessings, prayers, and support for the re-election of your son, President Bola Tinubu, come 2027,” he said.
Yari said the Tinubu administration had made progress in the economy, citing developments in gross domestic product growth, inflation and foreign exchange stability.
He also claimed that the administration had stabilised the foreign exchange market and described Mr Tinubu as the right person to lead the country.
The Deputy Governor of Edo State, Dennis Idahosa, also expressed support for President Tinubu’s re-election, arguing that it was the turn of the South to complete its two-term tenure.
“For us in Edo State, Governor Monday Okpebholo is the leader and he is leading well, as we have a lot of projects to campaign with.
“The people of Edo State will vote massively for President Tinubu to enable him win the 2027 presidential election,” he said.
