The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has asked leaders of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) to emulate ex-President Goodluck Jonathan who congratulated President Muhammadu Buhari after losing the 2015 polls.

The monarch gave the charge on Wednesday, September 2nd, 2020, during a meeting he had with the leading candidates ahead of the much anticipated September 19th gubernatorial election in the State.

PDP candidate and incumbent Governor, Godwin Obaseki; APC flagbearer, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, ex-APC National Chairman and former Governor of the State, Adams Oshiomhole, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun among others, were in attendance.

This comes 24 hours after the former Governor of Edo State, Adams Oshiomiole, and his convoy was involved in a fatal accident at Oluku junction, in Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State in which two police officers lost their lives and four others were injured.

Speaking during the meeting, the highly respected traditional ruler expressed his displeasure over the attitude of some politicians.

According to the monarch, he is unhappy that the State has been in the news for the wrong reasons.

Oba Ewuare urged the political actors to avoid heating up the polity, adding that they must put the interest of the State first.

The custodian of the Benin culture is shocked that the relationship between Oshiomhole and Obaseki, which was very close and thought to bring peace and tranquillity and progress to the state, has turned sour bringing bad image to the State.

While appealing to the political actors to sheathe their swords, the king asked them to avoid violence.

He thereafter demanded an assurance from the politicians that there will be peace before, during and after the elections.

The Oba explained that the move is necessary to ensure that Edo State will not become a laughing stock.

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Stressing further, the monarch asked the politicians to stop bitter comments capable of heightening tensions, reiterating that the Benin throne remains non-partisan as it has always been from time.

After the meeting, the political leaders took turns to assure the traditional ruler that peace will reign in the State.

Recall that on August 30th, 2020, Nigeria’s Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu, warned politicians and supporters in Edo and Ondo State to conduct themselves properly, and steer-clear of tendencies capable of undermining the electoral process in the forthcoming elections slated for September 19th and October 10th respectively.