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During a recent meeting, the Oba of Benin refuted claims made by LP gubernatorial candidate Akpata, who repeatedly referred to himself as a “son of the Palace” in both English and the local dialect. The Oba, however, swiftly dismissed these assertions after verifying Akpata’s claims through one of his chiefs.

The Oba’s Statement

The Oba clarified, “You are a hardworking son of the soil, but claiming to be a child of the Palace is inaccurate. None of my children are running for office or involved in politics. I need to clarify this for the public and the media.” This correction came after an investigation revealed that Akpata had no direct or distant links to the Palace.

Akpata’s Response

In response to the Oba’s correction, Akpata acknowledged that he may not be a child of the Palace but affirmed his identity as a child of the kingdom, emphasizing his deep roots in the region.

Reactions from Akpata’s Entourage

A member of Akpata’s entourage expressed disappointment with the Oba’s public reprimand, stating, “We are not pleased with the way our candidate was rebuked by the Oba for claiming to be a son of the Palace. In my view, every Benin or Edo individual is a son of the Palace, as we all originate from the same source.”

The incident has sparked discussions among the public, with some agreeing with the Oba’s need to set the record straight and others sympathizing with Akpata’s broader interpretation of cultural heritage. As the gubernatorial race continues, this clarification from the Oba may influence public perception and voter sentiment.