The Oba of Benin, Omo n’Oba Erediauwa, has waded into the crisis rocking the Edo State House of Assembly, urging the political actors to allow peace reign in the state.
The Benin Monarch after a closed door meeting with leaders of the APC and the PDP on Sunday urged politicians not to plunge the state into crisis.
He appealed to the political parties to resolve their political differences in the interest of peace and security of the state.
In a statement, His Royal Majesty, the Oba of Benin said: “I invited you to my palace to appeal to you on the need to allow peace continue to reign in Edo State, I know you, as politicians, have a way of resolving political issues, no matter how delicate and sensitive the issues are.
“Politicians in Edo State, regardless of whichever political parties they belong to, I am quite sure, will do all they can to ensure that our great state especially Benin City, the capital, is not made ungovernable for political reasons. I know as citizens of Edo State, you will always do all you can to protect our people and our land.
“On this very note, taking into consideration what has been happening since the beginning of the week, I am appealing to you not to engage in the destruction of lives and properties for whatever reasons.
“I also appeal to you as you leave here to have the interest of Edo State at heart and amicably resolve whatever political disagreement you may have, which I am sure, you are well capable of resolving for peace and security to reign.
“I thank leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic party (PDP) for honouring my invitation at short notice”.
Representing the APC at the meeting were the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Dr Pius Odubu and the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon Patrick Obahiagbon.
The PDP Chairman, Chief Dan Orbih, one-time Deputy Governor, Mr Lucky Imasuen, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iymu and suspended Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon Festus Ebea represented the PDP.
The State House of Assembly had on Monday suspended four lawmakers over what they termed gross misconduct, but the four lawmakers supported by five other PDP lawmakers slammed a counter suspension on the Speaker, Mr Uyi Igbe and other principal officers of the House at a sitting which has been described as illegal since they broke into the Assembly and held the sitting without a mace, the Sergeant at Arms, Clerks of the House and other accoutrements needed for a valid Assembly sitting.
Both factions are spoiling for war as the four suspended lawmakers have resolved to join the House session on Monday despite a court injunction restraining them from the premises of the Assembly.