Ahead of the Edo State governorship election, Olumide Akpata, the Labor Party candidate, has said he is not without mistakes.
Akpata said this in response to the recent controversy surrounding comments made during the Labor Party’s inauguration ceremony for the Edo State gubernatorial election.
During his visit to the palace of the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, Akpata described himself as “a son of the palace.”
The Oba of Benin immediately corrected Akpata, saying that he was an illustrious son of the land – Edo State.
Akpata, however, acknowledged the correction, stating: “I am not too proud or arrogant to acknowledge my mistakes or accept guidance when it is offered to me, especially from the revered throne of the Oba of Benin.”
He continued: “I am forced to issue this statement due to the absolutely unacceptable reactions of some people who claim to act in my defense. I categorically condemn any behavior or language that may be considered insulting or disrespectful towards the Oba of Benin, the embodiment of our rich cultural heritage.
“As I have repeatedly and emphatically said, anyone who fights against the Oba of Benin is also fighting against me, and I will never be part of any plan or ploy that will discredit the sacred throne of Benin Kingdom.”
Akpata further expressed dismay at the misrepresentation of the exchange and urged an end to such distortions. “It is imperative that this deliberate misrepresentation of the educational and harmless exchange between the Oba and myself ceases immediately,” he stated.
In his message to the people of Edo State, Akpata called for unity and respect for the traditional authority of the Benin Kingdom. “Let us unite in our reverence for the throne and work together to build a prosperous future for Edo State,” he urged.
Akpata reaffirmed his commitment to uphold the values and traditions of the Benin Kingdom, aligning his political aspirations with the preservation of cultural heritage.
“The Labor Party and I remain determined to deliver positive change while preserving the rich cultural heritage that defines our great state,” Akpata said.
