Edo monarch, the Ojirua of Irrua, HRH Williams Okuagban, Momodu II, has criticized the state governor, Godwin Obaseki over the recent invasion of the state’s House of Assembly complex.
The monarch described the incident, which resulted in the vandalism of the State House of Assembly building as sad and a waste of the state’s resources.
The Nation reports that the monarch made the remarks Tuesday in his palace, while receiving Edo governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the September 19 election, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu.
The monarch, who openly endorsed the APC candidate, Pastor Ize-Iyamu by addressing him as the next governor of Edo state, said: “I welcome you, my governor. Your visit here is just to further familiarise yourself with our people, as you have already been chosen.”
“Not too long ago, I watched on television as the President (Muhammadu Buhari) handed over the party’s (APC’s) flag to you. I was not there, but what I did in my room was to clap my hands.
“This is our son; he is going to be the next governor. I am the owner of Esan land. I will be celebrating 50 years on the throne next year June. I am sure this governor, Pastor Ize-Iyamu, is going to be my chairman” the report quoted the monarch to have said.
He also commended the APC governorship candidate for the presentation of his documented manifesto, the SIMPLE agenda, stating that anyone desirous of leadership must present a manifesto and roadmap to inspire trust and give room for assessment.
In his remarks, Ize-Iyamu expressed gratitude to the monarch and the people of Irrua for their acceptance, promising to run an administration respectful of the traditional institution and partner with all traditional rulers in Edo to address the security challenges of the state.