FIC REPORT (EDO STATE) – The Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku’Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, has urged Nigerians to support continuity in governance, saying there is no need to seek change for the sake of change.
The monarch made the call on Tuesday 16th September 2026, when the Director-General of the Presidential Campaign Council (PCC), Abdulaziz Yari, led members of the council to the Benin Palace in Benin City to seek royal blessings, prayers and support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
Oba Ewuare II stressed that the Benin throne remained non-partisan, noting that his call for continuity should not be interpreted as an endorsement of any political party.
“The Benin throne is not partisan. There is no point for change for the sake of change. That is not to say that I belong to one party or the other,” he said.
The monarch also appealed to former governors, senators and other political leaders to work together in the interest of the country, stressing the need for cooperation between the ruling party and the opposition.
“In democracy there must be opposition when a party comes to power. I don’t see why an opposition party can’t support the ruling party,” Oba Ewuare II said.
He further cautioned against excessive criticism of political leaders, noting that no individual was perfect.
“Is there anybody who is so perfect as I am talking now? Nobody. I love and like peace and tranquillity. I am American and British trained as a diplomat, and I say it the way it is,” the monarch said.
Earlier, Yari explained that the delegation was at the palace to seek the royal blessings, prayers and support of the Oba for President Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.
“Our mission today is simple: Mr. President formed the campaign council for his re-election. We are here to seek royal blessings, prayers, and support for the re-election of your son, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, come 2027,” Yari said.
The former Zamfara State governor said the Tinubu administration had recorded progress in the economy, citing improvements in GDP growth, inflation and foreign exchange stability.
According to him, Nigeria’s annual GDP growth increased from 2.7 per cent in 2023 to 3.9 per cent, while inflation declined from 22.9 per cent to 15.9 per cent.
Yari also said the administration had stabilised the foreign exchange market, describing Tinubu as the right person to lead the country.
The Deputy Governor of Edo State, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, thanked the Oba for the royal blessings and said President Tinubu deserved a second term in office.
Idahosa argued that considerations of equity, fairness and justice supported the call for a second term, adding that it was the turn of the South to complete its two-term opportunity after the President’s first term.
“For us in Edo State, Governor Monday Okpebholo is the leader and he is leading well as we have a lot of projects to campaign with, and the people of Edo State will vote massively for President Tinubu to enable him win the 2027 Presidential election,” Idahosa said.
Signed:
Omoluogbe Ruth
FIC Benin City
17th Sept, 2026
