‘Let’s not seek change for sake of change,’ Oba of Benin backs continuity
Oba of Benin Calls for Constructive Opposition Amid Campaign Council Visit
By Ozioruva Aliu
BENIN CITY — His Royal Majesty Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II of Benin, emphasized the importance of constructive opposition in Nigerian politics during a visit from the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council on Tuesday.
The Oba urged opposition parties to avoid extreme criticism of the ruling party and instead contribute positively to national development. He made this call while receiving the Campaign Council members, led by Director-General Senator Abdulaziz Yari, who sought the monarch’s blessings for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
“The Benin throne is not partisan,” Oba Ewuare II stated, underscoring that his remarks should not be construed as an endorsement of any particular political group. “There is no point for change for the sake of change. Is there anybody who is as perfect as I am talking now? Nobody. I love and like peace and tranquility,” he said, referencing his diplomatic training in the United States and the United Kingdom.
During the visit, the Oba also encouraged cooperation among former governors, senators, and political leaders for the betterment of the country. He highlighted the role of opposition in a democracy and expressed hope that opposition parties could lend support to the ruling government.
Senator Yari, addressing the gathering, described President Tinubu as a son of the Oba and outlined the administration’s achievements, citing improvements in economic indicators such as GDP growth, inflation rates, and foreign exchange stability. He reported that Nigeria’s GDP growth increased from 2.7% in 2023 to 3.9%, while inflation fell from 22.9% to 15.9%.
Additionally, Edo State Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa, representing Governor Monday Okpebholo, expressed gratitude for the Oba’s blessings and reaffirmed support for President Tinubu, stating that both the President and Southern Nigeria deserve a second term.
The visit included prominent figures such as former governors Abdullahi Umar Ganduje (Kano), Aminu Bello Masari (Katsina), and Ali Modu Sheriff (Borno), along with former Senate President Pius Ayim and other members of the Campaign Council.
The Oba’s call for unity and constructive dialogue reflects ongoing discussions about the role of political parties in Nigeria as the country prepares for future elections.
