The Benin Monarch, His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II has affirmed that the Edo State governorship candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the September 21, 2024 gubernatorial election, Barr. Olumide Osaigbovo Akpata is a true indigene of Benin Kingdom.
The Benin monarch disclosed this when Akpata, in company of the party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, Mr. Peter Obi visited the Oba Palace to seek the royal blessing as the party begins its electioneering campaigns for the September election.
The Oba who recalled how he supported the Labour Party governorship candidate, Barr. Olumide Akpata as the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), noted that though Akpata is not a member of the Benin Royal family, he is distantly related to the Palace.
In his address, the LP governorship candidate, Akpata said that he was in the Palace to inform the Oba before commencing campaign for his gubernatorial ambition.
He also told the Oba that the party will visit the 192 Wards in the 18 Local Government Areas of the State to present his manifesto to the electorate and as well seek their support.
Earlier, the former Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi thanked the Benin Monarch for receiving the Labour Party team.
Mr. Obi said that the Labour Party is in Edo State Governorship election to win.
The visit to the Palace came a few hours after Mr. Peter Obi visited the newly acquired State Secretariat of the Labour Party and the campaign office in Benin City.
He addressed supporters of the party at the Kings Square, Mission Road, Uwelu Market and the New Benin Market, all in Benin City where a mammoth crowd were on hand to receive the party leadership.
Mr. Peter Obi has since left Edo state and he is expected back as the Labour Party campaigns intensify.
