Oba Ewuare II dissociates the Benin Palace from a video by one Eranomigho Edegbe

By Simeon Osajie

The Oba of Benin, Omo N'Oba Ewuare 11 has disowned a video currently trending on social media by one Eranomigho Edegbe which hurled inventives and insults on President Muhammadu Buhari just as he reiterated his deep love for the former chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Alliu Oshiomhole.

In a statement signed by Mr. Frank Irabor, the Secretary of Benin Traditional Council (BTC), the Oba vehemently denied authorizing the video by Edegbe, insisting that the said video and the contents therein were neither commissioned nor was it encouraged by the the monarch.

Irabor said: "our revered royal father, Ova Ewuare II condemned in the strongest terms the malicious attacks on the integrity of President Buhari and all other persons whom the video seeks to malign.

"We wish to state unequivocally that our love for Mr. President is unparalleled as the relationship shared data back to the days of His Royal Majesty, Oba Erediauwa (of blessed memory), the immediate past Oba of Benin. This relationship was further strengthened when Mr. President headed the President Trust Fund (PTF)."

The Omo N'Oba stated that Oshiomhole has always respected not just the traditional institutions in Edo State, but also the Palace of the Oba of Benin, adding that his affection by Oba Erediauwa who adopted the immediate past chairman of APC as a son is well known and was reinforced during his tenure as governor of Edo State.

He said: "We were happy to convene a send-forth for him upon the expiration of his two terms, where His Royal Majesty used the Ada (traditional sword) of the ancestors to pray for his protection, a thing quite rare in Benin custom. We are glad that the prayers said on him continue to be efficacious in all his endeavours."

The monarch also tackled Eranomigho Edegbe over his utterances against a businessman, Captain Hosa Okunbo noting that he is an illustrious son of the Palace of the Oba who at all times has worked in support of the monarch.

The statement added: "These utterances and behaviour of Eranomigho and his cohorts show that they are not happy and comfortable with the cordial relationship between the Palace of the Oba of Benin and the Presidency.

"Further more, it shows that some disgruntled elements like Eranomigho have deep animosity against Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and Captain Hosa Okunbor."