The Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku’Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, has called on Nigerians to support continuity in governance, stressing that there is no need to seek change merely for the sake of change.
The monarch made the call on Tuesday when the Director-General of the Presidential Campaign Council (PCC), Abdulaziz Yari, led members of the council to the Benin Palace in Edo State to seek his royal blessings, prayers and support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
Oba Ewuare II, however, emphasised that the Benin throne remained non-partisan and that his remarks should not be interpreted as an endorsement of any political party.
“The Benin throne is not partisan. There is no point for change for the sake of change. That is not to say that I belong to one party or the other,” the monarch said.
He also appealed to former governors, senators and other political leaders to put aside differences and work together in the interest of the country.
The Oba stressed the importance of cooperation between the ruling party and opposition parties in a democracy.
“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 monarch further cautioned political leaders and citizens against excessive criticism, noting that nobody was perfect.
“Is there anybody who is so perfect as I am talking now? Nobody. I love and like peace and tranquillity. I am American and British trained as a diplomat, and I say it the way it is,” he said.
Earlier, Yari explained that the delegation was at the palace primarily to seek the monarch’s blessings and prayers for President Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.
“Our mission today is simple: Mr. President formed the campaign council for his re-election. We are here to seek royal blessings, prayers, and support for the re-election of your son, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, come 2027,” Yari said.
The former Zamfara State governor also highlighted what he described as achievements of the Tinubu administration, particularly in the economy.
According to Yari, Nigeria’s annual Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth increased from 2.7 per cent in 2023 to 3.9 per cent, while inflation declined from 22.9 per cent to 15.9 per cent.
He also claimed that the administration had stabilised the foreign exchange market, describing President Tinubu as the right person to continue leading the country.
Also speaking, Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, thanked the Oba for granting the delegation an audience and offering his royal blessings.
Idahosa said President Tinubu deserved a second term, arguing that principles of equity, fairness and justice should guide the country’s political arrangements.
According to him, the South should be allowed to complete its two-term opportunity after the President’s first term.
“For us in Edo State, Governor Monday Okpebholo is the leader and he is leading well. We have a lot of projects to campaign with, and the people of Edo State will vote massively for President Tinubu to enable him win the 2027 Presidential election,” Idahosa said.
The Deputy Governor’s remarks were contained in a statement issued by Dr. Patrick Akhere Ebojele, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, on Tuesday, September 15, 2026.
