Senator Okpebholo, the APC’s candidate for governor in Edo State, has spoken out against the ‘shameful treatment’ of his father, the Oba of Benin, stating that such actions, followed by secretive attempts to resolve the issue, are an affront to decency and a disservice to the throne.
Addressing Edo indigenes in the United States, Senator Monday Okpebholo unveiled plans to create a dedicated diaspora office, tasked with safeguarding the welfare and advancing the interests of Edo citizens living outside Nigeria.
A statement by the Senator Monday Okpebholo Campaign Organization, signed by its Director of Media and Publicity, Mr. John Mayaki, said, “The Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo Oba Ewuare II, is our father, and we will consult him on every issue when I become governor,” Okpebholo said while reacting to a question on what he would do differently towards the Oba of Benin when he becomes governor, in contrast to the hostile attitude of Governor Godwin Obaseki.
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Okpebholo said, “The Oba is the father of all. You cannot drag him out into the market square and later pretend to want to settle with him in secret. This is a sacrilege. When I become governor, I will do things differently and consult the Oba on every issue concerning the people and the state.”
On Edo people in the diaspora, the APC candidate said, “I don’t think the government has been fair to them. There is this Diaspora Commission Establishment Bill of 2017 that has been passed into law by the federal government. When I become the governor of Edo State, I will adopt it and establish a fully-fledged diaspora office to oversee the interests and well-being of our citizens living abroad. This would be done through an executive bill.”
Okpebholo said, “This diaspora office would be responsible for identifying, coordinating, and organizing diasporans who wish to contribute to the welfare and development of Edo State. The idea is that this office would enhance closer ties and expedite development within the state and its diaspora, to be managed by a diaspora focal person in the agency or commission.
Priority would be given to matters affecting the diaspora, it was further stated, due to the substantial presence of citizens abroad who are making notable strides in various fields and expressing a keen interest in supporting the development of their state and country.