Son of the palace: Oba of Benin break silence on Olumide Akpata’s claim

The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare 11, has debunked the claim made by Olumide Akpata, the governorship candidate of the Labour Party in Edo State, that he is a “son of the palace”.

Olumide made this statement while visiting the Oba of Benin in his palace as part of his campaign tour.

While eulogizing the king and stating the desire of the Labour Party to govern the state, Olumide referred to himself as a “son of the palace”.

Oba of Benin while swiftly interjecting, noted that while Olumide is truly a son of the soil in Benin, it would be wrong for him to call himself the “son of the palace”.

“When I heard him say he is the son of the palace, I had to speak to my people to know if any of my sons is now involved in politics. I acknowledge him as a well-known son of the soil.

“In fact when he was to become the Nigerian Bar Association President, I called (Nasir) El-Rufai to let him know that this is our son and he is a son of the soil in Benin.”

The monarch further noted that he needed to make clarity for the sake of the media and other people present.

“The fourth realm of the estate is here and others, I just need to clarify that,” the king said.

Replying, Olumide apologised for the statement, saying that he equated the whole Benin to the palace.

He asked the king to forgive him for the claim.

The Edo State governorship election is scheduled for September 21, 2024.