PRESIDENT JONATHAN TEARS BENIN KINGDOM APART, ROYAL FAMILY KNOCKS HIS CAMPAIGN
The declaration of the Esogban of Benin Kingdom and chairman of Benin Forum, Chief David Edebiri that the Binis will not vote for President Goodluck Jonathan is causing a verbal war among palace chiefs in Benin Kingdom.
The younger brother of the Oba of Benin and the Enogie of Obazuwa, Prince Edun Akenzua, who reacted on behalf of the Benin Royal family to the lingering division among Benin palace chiefs over Jonathan’s endorsement, said it is wrong and unthinkable to drag a highly respected monarch into political campaigns.
Expressing concern over the situation, the Benin royal family described the development as abominable to the Benin Kingdom, Leadership reports.
Prince Akenzua criticized members of the Goodluck Jonathan campaign organisation in Edo state, led by Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, for an alleged attempt to desecrate the Holy Aruosa Cathedral where the Oba worships, by taking their campaigns to the church, saying: “it is even more so when the leader or the coordinator is a Pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church.”
Jonathan’s Campaign Organisation had last Friday taken their campaign to the Holy Aruosa where they solicited support of some palace chiefs for Jonathan’s re-election.
The prince described as disrespectful an alleged open castigation of the Esogban by the Eson of Benin Kingdom, Chief Amos Osunbor, who declared that the Benins will vote for President Jonathan.
He said the Eson’s action was against the rules of the palace since his rank comes after that of the Esogban in the hierarchy of the palace chiefs.
Akenzua punctured the claim by Chief Nosakhare Isekhure, the Isekhure of Benin Kingdom, who had stated that the Oba had endorsed President Jonathan through the Crown Prince of Benin Kingdom last year in Abuja.
“Chief Isekhure gave the impression that he was the Oba’s spokesman. It must be said that the Oba does not, I repeat, does not endorse any politician. They all visit him to seek his support and blessings. The Oba mandates the senior Chief at Court during the visit to say prayer. That prayer is stereotyped that God may give to Benin and to Nigeria the person who will develop our land and make it possible for citizens to put three square meals on their tables,” the prince said.
Recall that the chairman of the Benin Forum, Chief Edebiri, had said the Binis will not vote for President Jonathan in the 28 March presidential election because his administration has not treated them well.
In reaction, two other high-ranking chiefs, the Isekhure of Benin kingdom, Chief Nosakhare Isekhure, and Chief Amos Osunbor, the Eson of Benin, had criticised him, saying that he does not speak for the Binis.
