Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has taken significant steps to mediate the legal conflict involving the Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, and two suspended dukes of the Benin Kingdom, Professor Gregory Akenzua and Edomwonyi Ogiegbaen. Following a private meeting with the suspended dukes at Professor Akenzua’s residence in Benin City, Governor Obaseki emphasized the importance of keeping political influences out of royal affairs, especially with the upcoming September 21st governorship election in Edo State.
Governor Obaseki cautioned politicians against using the royal palace’s issues as a campaign tool, highlighting the need to preserve the unique cultural heritage of the Benin royalty.
“Our royalty is a unique inheritance we have as a people, and we must therefore preserve it and ensure that we do not allow the corrosive influence of politicians to affect this heritage,” Obaseki stated.
He expressed concern over attempts by politicians to exploit and distort the ongoing issues, calling for a focus on resolving the fundamental matters at hand.
“There are fundamental issues which, by the grace of God, we will resolve, but we use this medium to appeal to politicians from all shades to please desist from playing politics with the royal family and the palace,” he added.
In his response, Professor Akenzua cleared Governor Obaseki of any involvement in their legal challenge against their suspension as dukes, reinforcing the governor’s neutral stance in the matter.
