Edo guber: Power is transient, Benin Kingdom till eternity — Akpabio

The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has affirmed that while every elected government has a fixed term, the Benin throne, occupied by the Oba of Benin, Omo N’ Oba N’ Edo, UKU Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, will endure for eternity.

Senator Akpabio made this declaration on Sunday during a solidarity visit to the Benin Monarch, where he was accompanied by Edo State Governor-Elect, Senator Monday Okpebholo, and leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In his remarks, Akpabio emphasized that anyone who fails to recognize the transient nature of power cannot be a good leader. He stated, “Tonight is not a time for speeches. It’s a night for us to return from the battlefield and report to you, Oba Ewuare II, that we have won. I say, governments come and go, but this Kingdom shall remain forever.”

He further informed the revered monarch that the visit was in fulfillment of their pledge to make the Palace their first stop if Senator Okpebholo won the Edo governorship election, a promise initially made when Vice President Kashim Shettima led the APC campaign team to the Palace on September 14th.

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Addressing the Benin throne, Governor-elect Senator Monday Okpebholo expressed his gratitude to the Oba and sought his blessings to effectively deliver on his mandate to the people. He assured that his administration would uphold respect for traditional institutions and elevate the state to greater heights.

Meanwhile, former Governor of Edo State and current Senator representing Edo North Senatorial District, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, praised Okpebholo as a man with a good heart and passion.

In response, Oba Ewuare II commended security agencies and stakeholders for ensuring a peaceful election. He said, “We thank God Almighty and my ancestors for placing good people where they are supposed to be. I also want to thank the people of Benin and Edo State, as well as the opposition, for heeding my calls to eschew violence, ensuring that all parties conducted themselves peacefully.”