Let’s Support Continuity In Governance, Oba Of Benin Tells Nigerians

• Oba Ewuare II has backed continuity in governance ahead of the 2027 presidential election, saying Nigerians should not seek political change merely for the sake of change.

• The monarch made the remarks when Tinubu’s Presidential Campaign Council visited the Benin Palace, with its Director-General, Abdulaziz Yari, seeking royal blessings

• Oba Ewuare II called for greater cooperation between the ruling party and opposition, arguing that democratic opposition should not prevent political leaders from supporting the government.

• Edo Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa declared that Tinubu deserves a second term, citing equity, fairness and justice, and said Edo would support the President’s re-election.

September 16, () – The Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku’Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, has urged Nigerians to support continuity in governance ahead of the 2027 presidential election, saying there is no point seeking political change merely for the sake of change.

The monarch made the call on Tuesday at the Benin Palace when the Director-General of the Presidential Campaign Council (PCC), Abdulaziz Yari, led members of the council to seek royal blessings, prayers and support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election.

Although the visit was specifically to solicit support for Tinubu’s second-term bid, Oba Ewuare II stressed that the Benin throne remained non-partisan and that his remarks should not be interpreted as belonging to or endorsing any political party.

“The Benin throne is not partisan. There is no point in change for the sake of change. That is not to say that I belong to one party or the other,” the monarch said.

The statement comes as political parties and presidential aspirants intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections, with Tinubu seeking another term in office and opposition parties and political groups mobilising to challenge the governing APC.

Monarch Advocates Political Cooperation

Oba Ewuare II also appealed to former governors, senators and other political leaders to work together in the interest of the country, regardless of their party affiliations.

He particularly advocated cooperation between the ruling party and opposition, arguing that the existence of an opposition in a democracy should not prevent it from supporting the government on issues considered beneficial to the country.

“In a 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 against excessive criticism of political leaders, 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.

His appeal for cooperation comes against the backdrop of increasingly intense political activity ahead of 2027, with political parties expected to campaign heavily on the record of the Tinubu administration and competing visions for the country’s future.

Yari Seeks Royal Backing For Tinubu

Earlier, Yari told the monarch that the delegation had come specifically to seek his royal blessings, prayers, and support for Tinubu’s re-election.

“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 economic progress recorded under the Tinubu administration.

According to Yari, Nigeria’s annual Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth had risen from 2.7 per cent in 2023 to 3.9 per cent, while inflation had declined from 22.9 per cent to 15.9 per cent.

He also said the administration had stabilised the foreign exchange market.

Yari used the economic indicators to argue that Tinubu remained the appropriate person to lead the country for another term.

Idahosa: Tinubu Deserves Second Term

Also speaking, the Edo State Deputy Governor, Dennis Idahosa, thanked the Oba for his royal blessings and said President Tinubu deserved a second term.

Idahosa based his position on what he described as the principles of equity, fairness and justice, arguing that it was the turn of the South to complete its two-term opportunity in the presidency.

He also pledged the support of Edo voters for Tinubu, linking the state’s political mobilisation to projects being executed by the Okpebholo administration.

“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 and the people of Edo State will vote massively for President Tinubu to enable him to win the 2027 Presidential election,” Idahosa said.