Oba Of Benin Wades Into Edo Assembly Fracas, Urges Political Actors To ‘Let Peace Reign’

oshiomole and oba of beninThe Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba Erediauwa has stepped into the crisis rocking the Edo State House of Assembly, urging the political gladiators to sheathe their swords and allow peace reign in the state.

The revered traditional ruler, who spoke after a closed door meeting with leaders of the APC and the PDP on Sunday in his palace, urged politicians not to plunge the state into crisis.

The Benin monarch pleaded with the political parties to resolve their political differences amicably in the interest of peace and security of the state.

In a statement, His Royal Majesty, the Oba of Benin said: “I invited you to my palace to appeal to you on the need to allow peace continue to reign in Edo State, I know you, as politicians, have a way of resolving political issues, no matter how delicate and sensitive the issues are.

“Politicians in Edo State, regardless of whichever political parties they belong to, I am quite sure, will do all they can to ensure that our great state especially Benin City,  the capital, is not made ungovernable for political reasons.  I know as citizens of Edo State, you will always do all you can to protect our people and our land.

“On this very note, taking into consideration what has been happening since the beginning of the week, I am appealing to you not to engage in the destruction of lives and properties for whatever reasons.

“I also appeal to you as you leave here to have the interest of Edo State at heart and amicably resolve whatever political disagreement you may have, which I am sure, you are well capable of resolving for peace and security to reign.

“I thank leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic party (PDP) for honouring my invitation at short notice”.

The APC was represented at the meeting by the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Dr Pius Odubu and the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon Patrick Obahiagbon.

The state PDP Chairman, Chief Dan Orbih, one-time Deputy Governor,  Mr Lucky Imasuen, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iymu and suspended Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon Festus Ebea represented the PDP.

It would be recalled that the state Assembly had on Monday suspended four lawmakers over what they termed gross misconduct, but the four lawmakers supported by five other PDP lawmakers, slammed a counter suspension on the Speaker, Mr Uyi Igbe and other principal officers of the House at a sitting which has been described as illegal since they broke into the hallowed chamber of the Assembly and held the sitting without a mace, the Sergeant at Arms, Clerks of the House and other accoutrements required by law for a valid Assembly sitting.

The incident led to the take-over of the assembly complex by heavily armed security personnel to prevent a further breakdown of law and order as witnessed over one year ago in the Rivers State House of Assembly.

However, both factions are spoiling for a total showdown as the four suspended lawmakers have vowed to take part in legislative functions despite a court injunction restraining them from the premises of the Assembly.