Traditional rulers from Edo Central on Friday conferred the chieftaincy title of Adolo of Esanland on the Governor of Edo State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, and reaffirmed their support for his re-election.
They said there is no vacancy in the Edo State Government House.
A delegation, made up of 23 out of the 25 traditional rulers in Esanland, who paid a courtesy visit to the governor at the Government House to confer the chieftaincy title on him, described the purported endorsement of the Peoples Democratic Party candidate as a ruse.
According to the leader of the delegation, the Onojie of Opoji, His Royal Highness, Eidenojie Ehidiame, the traditional rulers decided to confer Oshiomhole with the chieftaincy title of Adolo of Esanland because of his developmental strides across the state and Esanland in particular.
“The title of Adolo is a title bestowed on persons that bring development, progress and peace to the people. On the 13t of June this year, during my silver jubilee, we will formally celebrate, but today we have come to decorate you with the beads,” he noted.
The traditional ruler added: “We came to acknowledge the good work the governor is doing in the state, which has touched Esanland and to reaffirm our support for you. We also came to thank the Oba of Benin, HRM Omo n’Oba n’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, for the support he is giving to you our in-law.”
He disclosed that the royal fathers had endorsed the candidature of the governor for a second term in the past and that the position has not changed.
“We have come to inform you also that we are not part of the plot by the PDP where the traditional rulers in Esanland were purported to have given their candidate their prayers. We were in our monthly meeting when they came and some of us walked out when they prayed with native chalk,” he added.
While advising Oshiomhole not to be bothered but to go to sleep because his achievements are everywhere, the Onojie of Ewohimi, HRH Peter Ojeifo, said a good product sells itself.
Oshiomhole, in his response, said he was overwhelmed and humbled by the decision of the traditional rulers to reaffirm his candidature in seeking re-election and the decision to confer on him the chieftaincy title.
He said: “This is not just another title. I have been offered different titles by different traditional rulers and for personal reasons I have not accepted them even though I appreciate them. But as your son, you deemed it fit that I should be given this title and I accept it whole heartedly.
“As Adolo, I now have the duty to do more for the people of Esanland and Edo State, to be an instrument of governance to every nook and cranny of Esan land and I dedicate this title to my late wife and children.”