Oba of Benin endorses Tinubu’s re-election, calls for governance continuity

By KEMI KASUMU

While declaring that the Benin throne remained non-partisan, Oba Ewuare II questioned the need for changing an incumbent simply for the sake of change.

The Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku’Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, has backed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s bid for re-election in the 2027 presidential election, urging Nigerians to support continuity in governance.

The monarch spoke on Tuesday when the Director-General of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council, Abdulaziz Yari, led members of the council to the Benin Palace in Edo State.

The delegation visited the monarch to seek royal blessings, prayers and support for President Tinubu’s second-term bid.

While declaring that the Benin throne remained non-partisan, Oba Ewuare II questioned the need for changing an incumbent simply for the sake of change.

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

He also said that where a leader was performing well, Nigerians should support efforts to allow such a leader to continue.

“For somebody who is doing well, it is our prayer that he gets a renewed mandate,” the monarch was quoted as saying.

He further urged political leaders across party lines to put the national interest above partisan differences, stressing the importance of cooperation in a democracy.

Earlier, Yari explained that the APC delegation was at the palace specifically to seek the Oba’s prayers, royal blessings and support for Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.

The Oba’s position comes as political parties and their candidates intensify preparations for the 2027 presidential election.