FROM IKHILI EBALU, BENIN CITY
All Progressives Congress, APC, women group has lauded the Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, for his fatherly role and prayers towards the peaceful conduct of the September 21 governorship election in Edo State.
Declaring their stance during a solidarity visit to the oba’s palace yesterday in Benin City, APC Women Leader, Edo South Senatorial District, Mrs Itohan Edokpolor said as mothers, they are thankful to God and Oba Ewuare because no life was lost during the election, which was adjudged to be violent-free.
Mrs Edokpolor, former Chairperson of Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, appreciated Oba Ewuare for defending Edo heritage and urged the monarch not to relent in his prayers for Edo State, despite subterranean moves by certain individuals to thwart Senator Monday Okpebholo’s victory.
According to her, “There was no life lost. There was no crisis. There was no commotion. All the fear we had long before the election did not take place. We all believe that it was because of the prayer by our oba and father on this land.
“We are equally begging him to continue to pray for us and Edo land, that anybody that is throwing bullets here and there to disorganise what God has done on this land, God should scatter their plans.”
In their remarks, Bola Eweka of APC Egor and Mrs Kola Enadiakhe of Oredo thanked God and their ancestors for peace and averting bloodshed.
The duo emphasised that the monarchy remains Edo people’s pride and inspiration, warning that women will resist attempts by highly placed persons and groups to subvert their mandate.
Speaking on behalf of the palace, the Esere of Benin, Chief Stanley Obamwonyi, who led other chiefs, conveyed the goodwill of the oba to them, saying the royal father is a detribalised and peace loving father to all.
