Edo 2024: You are a true indigene of Benin, Oba Tells Akpata

 

By Ikhili Ebalu, Benin City

The Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II has affirmed that the candidate of the Labour Party in the September 21, 2024 Edo governorship election, Mr Olumide Akpata is a true indigene of Benin Kingdom.

Oba Ewuare II disclosed this when Akpata, in company of the party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, Mr Peter Obi visited the Palace to seek the royal blessing as the party begins its electioneering campaigns for the election.

The Oba recalled how he supported the Labour Party candidate as the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA)

Oba Ewuare II also noted that though Akpata is not a member of the Benin Royal family, he is distantly related to the Palace.

Akpata in his address said that he was in the Palace to inform the Oba before commencing campaign for his gubernatorial ambition

He also told the Oba that the party will visit the 192 wards in the 18 Local Government Areas of the state to present his manifesto to the electorate and as well seek their support.

Earlier, Peter Obi, the former former governor of Anambra State thanked the Benin Monarch for receiving the Labour Party team.

Mr Obi said that the Labour Party is in Edo state Governorship election to win.

The visit to the Palace came a few hours after Mr Peter Obi visited the State Secretariat of the Labour Party and the campaign office in Benin city.

He addressed supporters of the party at the Kings Square, Mission Road, Uwelu Market and the New Benin Market, all in Benin City where a mamoth crowd were on hand to receive the party leadership.

Mr Peter Obi has since left Edo state and he is expected back as the Labour Party campaigns intensify