Oba of Benin urges political leaders to put national interest above party lines

The Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku’Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, has called for greater cooperation among Nigeria’s political leaders, urging those in government and the opposition to place the national interest above partisan considerations.

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 on a visit to seek royal blessings, prayers and support for President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid.

Oba Ewuare II, who reiterated the non-partisan status of the Benin traditional institution, said political differences should not prevent leaders and political parties from cooperating on issues affecting the country.

“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,” the monarch said, stressing that constructive cooperation remained essential to national development.

He particularly appealed to former governors, senators and other political leaders to work together for the good of Nigeria, while cautioning against excessive criticism of political leaders.

“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,” Oba Ewuare II said.

The monarch’s intervention came against the backdrop of increasing political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections, with the PCC delegation seeking the support of traditional institutions as part of its consultations across the country. The council has also been meeting other traditional rulers as it mobilises support for Tinubu’s re-election bid.

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Earlier, Yari explained that the delegation was at the palace to seek the monarch’s prayers and royal blessings for Tinubu, while also highlighting what he described as economic gains recorded by the administration since 2023.

The former Zamfara State governor claimed that Nigeria’s annual 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 claimed that the administration had stabilised the foreign exchange market.

Yari, who described Tinubu as the right person to lead the country, urged Nigerians to support the administration based on what he presented as its record in the economy and other sectors. The figures were presented by the campaign council as part of its case for the President’s re-election.

Also speaking, Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, thanked the Oba for his royal blessings and expressed support for Tinubu’s second-term bid, arguing that considerations of equity, fairness and justice supported the South having another term after the first four years.

Idahosa further said Governor Monday Okpebholo remained the political leader in Edo State and that the administration had projects which, according to him, would form part of the campaign message ahead of the 2027 election.

“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 win the 2027 Presidential election,” the deputy governor said.

The visit, which brought together political leaders and the Benin traditional institution, also underscored the growing engagement between Nigeria’s political class and traditional rulers ahead of the 2027 elections, even as the Oba maintained that the palace itself remained above partisan politics.