The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, on Sunday, refuted a claim made by Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, alleging that the monarch advised against the candidacy of the current Governor, Godwin Obaseki, in 2016.
According to the Tribune, the Oba issued the denial when Oshiomhole led a delegation of All Progressives Congress (APC) members to the Benin Palace after their victory in Saturday’s gubernatorial election.
While speaking and kneeling before the Oba, Oshiomhole claimed that the monarch had cautioned him against selecting Obaseki as his successor in 2016, but he chose to ignore the advice.
Oshiomhole stated, “Your Royal Majesty, I remain on my knees to apologise for my poor judgment, as I stubbornly supported a man against your clear advice. I wrongly believed that as a Benin man, he would uphold our tradition, customs, and respect for our heritage, which I now realise was a mistake.”
In response, Oba Ewuare II clarified that he never advised against Obaseki’s candidacy.
He said, “When you brought Obaseki to me, I did not say anything. You know I’ve been careful with my words. I told them I want to avoid any conflict with my son, Akpakomisa (Okpebholo’s appellation). But I must correct your statement — I never said anything against Obaseki when you introduced him to me.”
The Oba further emphasised that there was a witness to the introduction, pointing to Elemah, a close associate of Oshiomhole, who was present during the initial meeting. He also referenced a previous instance when Oshiomhole’s deputy, Odubu, was not in alignment with his father’s preferences.