By Simon Ebegbulem & Gabriel Enogholase

BENIN – Benin Traditional Council, BTC, has warned politicians to stop using the name, pictures and image of the Oba of Benin, Oba Erediauwa, in their campaigns.

Secretary of BTC, Mr. Frank Irabor, in a statement, yesterday, expressed regret that the name of the Oba and his effigy were being used freely by political parties, adding that it was a taboo to do so, in view of the fact that the Oba is not a politician.

The statement said: “BTC wishes to stress that it is unacceptable for the political inclinations of any group of persons to be ascribed to the Oba of Benin.

“In particular, we reiterate that the Oba of Benin’s desire and prayers as father to all is for the individual or party, which is expressly committed to the continued unity of Edo people, infrastructural development of Edo State, creation of jobs for the people, reduction in poverty and above all, respect for the traditional institutions. We hereby restate the non-partisan position of the Oba and the palace.”