The incident occurred during a visit by All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwarts to the Benin monarch’s palace following the party’s victory in the Saturday gubernatorial election.
Oshiomhole, while kneeling before the Oba, expressed regret for ignoring what he claimed was the monarch’s advice against endorsing Godwin Obaseki as his successor in 2016, Daily Trust reported.
Oshiomhole apologized for what he termed as a “poor judgment,” stating,
However, the Oba of Benin was quick to refute Oshiomhole’s statement, clarifying that he had never advised against Obaseki’s candidature.
He said:
He emphasized that he never voiced opposition to Obaseki when Oshiomhole introduced him as a potential successor, Nigerian Tribune reported.
The monarch pointed to a witness present during the initial introduction to support his statement.
The Oba also hinted at his desire to avoid any controversy involving Senator Monday Okpebholo, a prominent APC figure and a key ally of Oshiomhole.
The Oba stated:
The exchange, witnessed by several high-profile APC members, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Okpebholo, has added a dramatic twist to the ongoing political narrative in Edo State.
The denial by the revered monarch has sparked further discussions about the true dynamics behind Oshiomhole’s endorsement of Obaseki, who has since become a controversial figure in Edo State politics.
Earlier, TimesNow.com.ng reported that Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, said Governor Godwin Obaseki is politically dead following the emergence of APC’s Senator Monday Okpebholo as Edo state governor-elect.
Oshiomhole said the outcome of the Saturday, September 21 governorship election represented the will of the Edo people.
The former Edo state governor said Obaseki’s do-or-die affair threat did not stop the people from voting for the APC candidate.
Source: TimesNow.com.ng
