Oba of Benin tells APC candidate voters and God decide political power

The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has said candidates seeking political office depend on God and the people for electoral success. The monarch made the comment when Paddy Iyamu, the All Progressives Congress candidate for Oredo Federal Constituency, visited him on Saturday to seek his blessing before beginning his campaign for the House of Representatives. Oba Ewuare II said political authority ultimately came from God and the electorate.

He stressed that candidates should maintain a connection with their roots and respect the customs and traditions of their communities. “Almighty God and the people are crucial in any political setting because it is these two that will combine to give power to those seeking it,” the monarch said. The Oba received Iyamu and the party leaders and supporters accompanying him.

He prayed for the candidate and told him that things would go well during the campaign. The monarch also commended Iyamu’s humility and respect for Benin traditions. Iyamu thanked the Oba for the reception and blessing.

He said it was appropriate to visit the traditional ruler before beginning political activities, describing the monarch as a father whose support was important to his campaign. The candidate also congratulated Oba Ewuare II on the monarch’s 10th anniversary on the throne. He formally informed the Oba of his intention to represent Oredo Federal Constituency in the National Assembly.

The visit came as political consultations and preparations for the 2027 general elections begin to gather momentum. The source did not provide details of Iyamu’s campaign plans or identify other candidates for the constituency.