“You Are Not a Child of the Palace,” Oba of Benin Tells LP’s Akpata

Labour Party governorship candidate Olumide Akpata faced public correction by His Royal Majesty Oba Ewuare II, the Oba of Benin, during a courtesy visit to the Benin Palace yesterday.

Akpata, accompanied by former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, repeatedly asserted his ties to the Oba’s Palace during his address. However, Oba Ewuare II promptly addressed these claims, stating that he had heard them before and had asked one of his chiefs to verify Akpata’s assertions. The chief confirmed that Akpata had no direct or distant links to the Palace.

“You are an industrious son of the soil, but to say you are a child of the Palace… I am not aware that any of my children is contesting or is a politician. So I need to make that clarification for the sake of the public and the fourth estate of the realm,” the Oba declared.

Oba Ewuare II’s correction was firm but respectful, emphasizing the importance of clear and truthful public statements. Akpata responded graciously, acknowledging his error: “I am grateful for the correction. It was a mistake on my part. I’m a true son of the Benin Kingdom. I hope His Royal Majesty will forgive me.”

Following the clarification, Akpata and his entourage made a prompt departure from the palace.