The Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo Ewuare II, has called for a ceasefire among All Progressives Congress (APC) members involved in the Edo South Senatorial primary election dispute, saying the outcome rests with God.
He made the appeal on Friday at his palace in Benin City while receiving APC chieftain Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama and other party leaders from Edo South.
According to a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Oba of Benin, Osaigbovo Iguobaro, the monarch urged party members to prioritise unity and set aside grievances for the peace and stability of the state.
“It is the way God wants things to be. You do not argue with God. Everything has its time, and God’s time is the best. All of you in APC should join hands, cooperate, and work together,” he said.
“Those who lost should remain calm and patient. God has plans for them. Even those who feel aggrieved should understand that God may be preparing them for something greater. The outcome will be as God and our ancestors will it.”
Earlier, Ogbeide-Ihama presented his result sheet to the Oba and said the APC national leadership had not yet issued a certificate of return to the declared winner. He claimed that results from the party’s national committee indicated he won by a wide margin.
Ogbeide-Ihama also said that as a son of Benin, he was pledging loyalty to the Oba and seeking the palace’s prayers while awaiting the party’s final decision.
The delegation included Edo State Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa, former Deputy Governor and Edo South APC leader Pius Odubu, Edo State APC Chairman Jarrett Tenebe, and other party officials.
