His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpokpolo, Oba Ewuare II has expressed appreciation to Edo people and political leaders for heeding the call for peaceful conduct in the state during the general elections.
In a statement signed by Secretary to the Benin Traditional Council (BTC), Frank Irabor, Oba Ewuare said prior to the election, he held meetings with stakeholders in the state and appealed for peaceful conduct, which contributed to making the polls violence-free.
According to the statement, “Now that all the election results are out, His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, Oba of Benin hereby congratulates once again, His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR and His Excellency, Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, GCON, for their victory in the recently concluded Presidential elections which have been deemed by the International community as well as many Nigerians to have been free and fair and, most peaceful in many years of our democratic administration.”
The Omo N’Oba also extended the congratulatory message to winners of the National and State Assemblies, and Gubernatorial elections.
On the peaceful conduct of the elections in Edo State, the Oba said traditional rulers are deeply appreciative to Edo people for abiding by their plea for peaceful conduct, noting, “prior to the presidential election, the Omo N’Oba invited his subjects to the palace as far back as November last year and enjoined them to pray fervently to the Almighty God and the great Royal Ancestors for the avoidance of bloodshed and violence of any kind during the elections that came up in February.”
The Oba recalled that as chairman of the Edo State Council of Traditional Rulers and Chiefs, he, after council meeting, invited political leaders of all parties in Edo State to the Palace for the same reason, where he told those present and others who weren’t at the meeting to eschew violence and bitterness towards each other in the elections.
“We will continue to pray for violence-free elections, not only in Edo State but throughout the length and breadth of this country,” he added.
