The Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo Ewuare II, has called for calm and reconciliation among members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) over the ongoing dispute surrounding the party’s Edo South Senatorial primary election.
The monarch made the appeal on Friday at his palace in Benin City while receiving APC chieftain Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama alongside other party leaders from the Edo South senatorial district.
According to a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Osaigbovo Iguobaro, the traditional ruler urged all aggrieved parties to embrace peace and allow unity to prevail within the party and across the state.
He emphasised that political outcomes ultimately rest in the hands of God, urging those involved in the disagreement to accept the situation in good faith.
“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,” the Oba said.
He also advised those who lost in the primary to remain calm and patient, noting that political setbacks could be part of a larger divine plan.
“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,” he added.
The Oba’s intervention comes amid rising tensions within the APC in Edo South over the outcome of the senatorial primary election, with competing claims from aspirants and supporters.
Ogbeide-Ihama Presents Result Sheet
During the visit, Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama presented his result sheet to the monarch and alleged that the APC national leadership had yet to issue a certificate of return to the declared winner of the primary.
He claimed that figures from the party’s national committee indicated he emerged victorious by a wide margin and insisted that the final decision had not yet been concluded.
Ogbeide-Ihama, while addressing the Oba, also pledged loyalty to the palace and requested prayers as he awaited the party’s final resolution on the matter.
“As a Benin son, I am pledging loyalty to the Oba and seeking your prayers while awaiting the party’s final decision,” he said.
The delegation that accompanied Ogbeide-Ihama included Edo State Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa, former Deputy Governor and APC Edo South leader Pius Odubu, Edo State APC Chairman Jarrett Tenebe, and other party officials.
The Oba’s call for unity highlights ongoing efforts by traditional institutions in Edo State to reduce political tension and promote reconciliation within party structures ahead of future elections.
