Chief Friday Omoragbon(aka FOC), the Osaguobadiaye of Benin Kingdom, has stated that the outgoing governor of Edo State, Governor Godwin Obaseki, would be remembered for his disrespect to the Benin Palace.
While congratulating Senator Monday Okpebholo, the All Progressives Congress(APC) candidate in the just held governorship election in the state, the Benin Chief said: “I congratulate Senator Monday Okpebholo who is now the governor elect of Edo State. Also I congratulate Hon. Dennis Idahosa his deputy. Their victory is a plus for the Benin Kingdom and indeed the people of the state.
“The way the outgoing governor was treating the Palace it was obvious that he does not have respect for our traditional institution. Such a thing has never happened in the history of the Kingdom apart from the time of the reign of Oba Ovoranmwen of blessed memory when the governor’s great grandfather betrayed the Oba.
“I pray that the governor elect, Monday Okpebholo, would right all the wrongs that Obaseki perpetuated against the kingdom especially in his attempt to tarnish the image of the Palace. Such has never happened to the Palace for several years.
“Thank God for Senator Okpebholo’s victory which has wiped away the series of shame and disrespect that Obaseki was planning to hang on the shoulders of our revered throne,” Chief Omoragbon intoned.
On the legacies that the outgoing governor bequeathed on the state which will be etched in the memories of the people, Chief Omoragbon said: “If he had done well, he would not have been running from pillar to post on the twilight of his tenure. He would have felt comfortable coming to the Palace to seek for counsel.
“We appeal to Okpebholo to give us good governance so that we can proudly stand by him when he’s aiming for a second tenure in office. As a result of his numerous atrocities I don’t see Obaseki handing over to Okpebholo. Rather, his deputy would be the one that would do that.
“One of the things that Obaseki would be remembered for is his closure of the Oba Akenzua Cultural Centre, Benin. If you are a hunter you can set a trap for an antelope in the place. That’s the level the place has deteriorated to.
“Also he demolished the Benin Central Hospital in the name of establishing a museum. When poor people are sick they don’t have anywhere to run to for treatment. We will also remember him for plotting to acquire our artifacts. These are some of what we will use to remember him,” Chief Omoragbon enthused.
