The Otaru of Auchi Kingdom, in Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State, Alhaji Aliru Momoh Ikelebe III, has offered prayers for the 2024 governorship ambition of Mr Kenneth Imansuangbon, just as the foremost monarch threw his weight behind the aspiration of the Edo Central Senatorial district to produce Governor Godwin Obaseki’s successor.
The Otaru maintained that it was only proper in the spirit of fairness, equity and justice for the people of the zone to be supported, noting that traditional rulers in the state had all agreed that it was the turn of the people of Edo Central.
Ikelebe III stated this when Imansuangbon, the Labour Party (LP), foremost governorship aspirant, on Sunday paid him a condolence visit on the death of Alhaji Ado Ibrahim, the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland and to also inform him about his governorship ambition.
The Otaru described Imansuangbon as a man of the people who would get the support of the generality of Edolites as a result of his large heart in attending to the needs of the people, especially through his rice-sharing activities every year, which earned him the sobriquet, Rice Man.
The traditional ruler added that he was of the firm opinion that Imansuangbon would do much more for the people of Edo State when he becomes their governor next year.
“Presently am mourning my friend, the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland. Ordinarily, I won’t receive anybody, but it is because you are the Rice Man I am giving you a private visit. For fairness and justice, it is the turn of Esanland. All the traditional rulers are united on this. The prayers anybody should make is that every Edo person should pay you back for all your good deeds for feeding the poor over the years”. The Otaru stated.
Imansuangbon, who was in company of some LP chieftains and other supporters on the visit, told newsmen that he was at the palace to seek the monarch’s blessing and to condole him on the demise of Ohinoyi of Ebiraland.
“I came here to inform the Otaru as one of our respected Royal fathers just like I informed the Oba of Benin and the Energies in Esan land of my intention to govern the state and to ask for his royal blessing. The monarch encouraged me to continue the good works and that as governor of Edo I will do well for the people of Edo State.
I am really excited by the kind words of the royal father and for recognising my little contributions to better the lives of the people and I believe that his prayers and advice will guide me now and also when I become the governor”, Imansuagbon enthused.
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