The Labour Party’s candidate for the upcoming gubernatorial election in Edo State, Olumide Akpata, faced a rebuttal from the Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty Oba Ewuare II. The LP’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and Akpata visited the Oba’s palace and inaugurated the party’s campaign office before the September 21 governorship election.
Despite Akpata’s attempts to gain the traditional ruler’s support by claiming to be a “son of the palace,” the Oba refuted this assertion. In a circulating video clip, the Oba clarified that after investigating Akpata’s claims through one of his chiefs, it was revealed that the candidate had no familial ties to the Palace.
The Oba emphasized that while Akpata may be an industrious individual, he is not affiliated with the Palace as claimed. This clarification was made to ensure transparency for the public and the media. In response, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, Anthony Ehilebo, ridiculed the LP candidate for his false claims, highlighting the consequences of supporting the wrong candidate.
