Oba of Benin Did Not Snub President Jonthan

President Goodluck Jonthan who was in Edo state Yesterday ahead of the July 14, 2012 governorship election in the state had promised to ensure a free and fair election in the state.

The President was said to have arrived Benin at 11:45am. He didn’t waste much time before he proceeded to the Oba of Benin’s palace with his entourage to see the Benin monarch, Oba Erediauwa.
In his company were the National Chairman of the PDP, Alhaji Bamangar Tukur; Chief Tony Anenih, the governorship candidate of the PDP, Gen. Charles Airhiavbere, and the state chairman of the party, Chief Dan Orbih.

Contrary to the rumour making the rounds that  President Goodluck Jonthan was snubbed by the Benin Monarch, Mr President was only asked to meet with the Oba at his inner chambers while the other PDP caucus were received by the Iyasei of Benin, Chief Sam Igbe. No reason was given why the oba resolved to such approach.

Even though, the palace did not reveal the reason for the monarch’s decision not to publicly welcome President Jonathan, sources in the palace volunteered that the traditional ruler was merely adhering to the dictates of the ‘gods’ who had made it impossible for him to appear in public to receive the president at that particular time.

The PDP had yesterday reacted to the insinuation that it was shunned by the Oba, stating that it was well received by the Oba of Benin.

The Iyasei, at the end of the meeting said, “Our son, the President came on a courtesy visit and, after his visit, he should have a safe journey home.”