Oba of Benin pays royal visit to Oshiomhole

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

BENIN—IN a rare show of public appearance and support, the Benin monarch, Oba Erediauwa, yesterday, paid a visit to the governor of Edo State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, at Government House, Benin City.

The Oba, who is rarely seen in public, arrived Government House in the company of some senior palace chiefs and Enogies and urged the governor to keep up with his good work.

The royal father said: “I came to congratulate you on your swearing-in.  I watched it on television and it was very impressive.  You have done well. Keep the flag flying”.

Aligning himself with prayers offered, His Royal Majesty noted: “My chief broke kola and said, may God continue to enrich the treasury with the wherewithal to do what you are doing. Please finish the projects. Thank you very much.

“My brother traditional rulers are waiting for you to continue work in their domains.”
The Oba praised the governor for speaking ex-tempore at his inauguration, saying, “you are a wonderful man.”

Responding, Governor Oshiomhole expressed deep gratitude to the Oba for his support and prayers.
He said: “I am deeply indebted to your Majesty. Your Majesty has been a father to me and to all of us in Edo State.

“My own biological father would not have done better for me than what you have done.”
Outlining his vision for the second term, the governor noted: “I am determined to do more than what I did in the first term. We have overcome our learning curve.”

Oshiomhole listed the next phase of work to include aggressively reclaiming the moat and sustaining the work on the Benin Masterplan, adding that over the next two years, it would be completed.

He explained: “Your Majesty, we would restore the beauty of this great city.  This is the capital of this kingdom, this is the capital of Edo State.  I am indebted to the Bini for accepting me as a son and a brother.  By their votes they spoke very loud and clear”.