Comment On Jonathan’s Re-Election Causes Crisis In Benin Forum

                 The re-election bid of the incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan has reportedly caused crisis in Benin Forum due to the comment made by the Esogban of Benin, Chief David Edebiri.
                 The Benin Forum which is a socio-political umbrella of the Benin nation on Wednesday called for the resignation of Edebiri over statement credited to him that ‘the Binis will not vote for President Jonathan in March 28, 2015 presidential poll.’
                  The call was contained in a statement issued in Benin by the Media Director of the Benin Forum, Mr. Osamwonyi Osagiede, a copy obtained by Daily Independent.
It was gathered that concerned members of the forum comprising Prince S. Ebuwa, Prince Francis
Omo-Osunde Iyasere, Col. Edward Igbinidu (rtd) representing retired Benin Military Officers, Lawrence Igbinosun and Lucky Osahon (Patriot) member in the Diaspora, United Kingdom held an emergency meeting and issued a 12-hour ultimatum to the Esogban of Benin kingdom to resign as chairman of the forum.
The concerned members explained that the Esogban’s resignation became imperative in order to pave way for a proper management of the forum in accordance with its constitution.
“Chief D.U. Edebiri should be reminded that some months ago, our revered Benin Monarch, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba of Benin, who appointed him and 23 other prominent Benin sons and daughters, who are members of different political parties to oversee the affairs of the forum sent the Crown Prince to President Jonathan to express his support for the re-election of Mr. President and his constant prayers for his victory at the polls. Therefore, it is odiously mischievous and rude for anyone for that matter to assume another position,” the read.
The statement further stated that the concerned members also accused Edebiri of dragging the Benin Forum into politics and had always used the organisation to enrich himself to the detriment of the Benin people.
The concerned members who condemned the Esogban’s statement, said it was unacceptable because it amounted to undermining the sanctity and authority of the Benin monarch, Erediauwa.
They further cleared the air that, ‘as far as every Benin man was concerned, the pronouncement and direction of the Benin monarch was sacrosanct.’
Recall that the Oba of Benin, his Royal Majesty, Omo n’Oba n’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo Erediauwa, during President Jonathan’s campaign in Benin, said it is only the ancestors that know the next president.
Meanwhile, the fearless Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, recently reacted to the alleged involvement of the Nigerian military in the country’s politics."