The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare 11, has called on political parties participating in the Edo State 2020 governorship election to go about their campaigns peacefully.
The Royal Majesty made the call when he received a delegation of the All Progressives Congress on a courtesy visit in his palace in Benin on Saturday.
The APC delegation, led by Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, was in Benin for the official flag-off of the party’s campaign for its gubernatorial candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu.
The Oba said the palace had not been happy with the recent happenings in the state.
He called on everyone in the state to pray for a peaceful election.
Oba Ewuare said: “There is nothing as powerful as prayers.
“As you go about your campaign, go about it peacefully and without bitterness.”
Oba Ewuare also reiterated that he remained non-partisan and had never supported any political candidate.
He said: “We remain non-partisan because of the laid down rules of our ancestors; we must be fathers to all.
“We see every candidate as our child and we pray for everybody.
“It is wiser to leave the fate of the election to God.
“I am not against any candidate.
“I have never been for or against any candidate, but when the people have chosen via the election, we will pray for him to succeed in office.”
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, the Yobe State Governor and Chairman, APC National Caretaker Committee, said the visit was to present the governorship candidate to the royal majesty for his blessings.
Buni was optimistic that APC would reclaim the state come September 19.