The campaign organisation of Edo State governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Asue Ighodalo has voiced out its strong disapproval of actions that tend to insinuate any form of disrespect for the “highly revered person of Oba Ewuare II, Oba N’ Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, and the Royal throne of the Great Palace”.
In a statement on Thursday by the Deputy Director General (Media and Publicity) of Asue/Ogie Campaign Management Council, Rev. Olu Martins, the organisation condemned “in firm terms those who want to use this sobering period to drag the palace into their political antics”.
On Thursday, over 100 priests, priestesses and palace chiefs stormed the Edo State High Court, chanting curses against the “enemies” of the Oba of Benin at the resumed hearing of the case instituted by suspended Enigie (Duke) in Benin against the monarch.
Two suspended Enigie (Dukes) of Evbuobanosa and Egbaen Siluko Dukedoms in Benin Kingdom, Prof. Gregory Akenzua and Chief Edomwonyi Ogiegbaen had, on behalf of some others, sued the monarch, challenging their suspension.
The Asue/Ogie Campaign Management Council thereafter issued a statement, saying: “We are convinced that those who have cause for concern about issues relating to the palace should explore all available traditional mechanism for resolving issues, rather than resorting to the Law courts, especially when such persons are related to the royal linage.
“We counsel that such action be reviewed in the interest of filial harmony and the larger implications!
“Similarly, we condemn in firm terms those who want to use this sobering period to drag the palace into their political antics.
“The palace is the revered symbolism and custodian of our Edo identity and must be so revered. We therefore advise politicians to ply their trade in their turf and leave the Royal throne alone.
“As a responsible campaign organisation, we have, and hereby restate our absolute regard for, and total cooperation with the Palace in ensuring peace, harmony and progress for all Edo people and residents.
“Our candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, who is himself a prince with royal blood flowing in his veins understands the proper decorum befitting of royalty and intends to demonstrate that through the course of the campaign and beyond”.
