The Oba of Benin, during a courtesy visit by APC leaders, called on the candidates contesting next month’s election to preach peace and shun campaign of calumny.

He maintained that his palace has always remained neutral in Edo politics, because all the people involved in the election are his children and that the palace has been able to do that because of the strict adherence to the laid-down rules by their forefathers.

Ewuare II said:

“The throne is not partisan. And this is because of the expectations of our people and because of the laid-down rules by our forefathers. We see everybody as our children.

“It is said that the voice of men is the voice of God. It is when the people make their choice to elect the person they want as a governor, and after that, we will pray for the person who has been elected as governor to succeed in office. The palace is never partisan.”

Oba of Benin also stated that the throne was particularly concerned about the person who would have respect for the throne, traditional institutions and create employment for the people of Edo state, so that they could take care of their family members.

He also placed emphasis on the importance of prayers for a peaceful election in Edo state, stressing that prayers were more powerful than guns.

Buni earlier informed the Oba of Benin that the APC leaders were in his palace to seek royal blessings for successful campaigns and election in Edo, while declaring that APC was ready to take Edo back from the PDP on September 19, in order to ensure good governance and move the state forward.