Adams Oshiomhole, the senator representing Edo North, gave an explanation for his kneeling in front of Oba Ewuare II, the Oba of Benin.
Oshiomhole claimed that he recognised and appreciated the Benin people’s ancient institution, which is why he knelt before the Oba.
The member added that Godwin Obaseki, the outgoing governor, was an ineffective leader.
According to Oshiomhole, during Obaseki’s eight years as governor, he was unable to name a single primary or secondary school that he had constructed.
According to Oshiomhole: “I’m excited that we won and I have the rare privilege of presiding over the affairs of Edo State as a governor for eight years and I understand the needs of the people. I know what the state was when I left and what it is today and to some extent, not a few people believe that I should be blamed for Obaseki’s failures and woeful performance.
“During the campaign, you listened to us and Obaseki; you can’t say he pointed at this ultra-modern primary school that he built or there is this secondary school he built. Instead, Ighodalo said he would extend broadband to Edo North. Earlier in the year, Obaseki and Ighodalo said they had done a feasibility study and there is approval from FAAN to construct an airport in Edo North.
“They assured the Oba of Benin that the great people of Benin will have a seaport in Ghereghere, they brought former Vice President Osinbajo to do a groundbreaking of the industrial park, yet none of this has taken place. If you go there, these places are occupied by Lizards and snakes.
“Even the drainage I did to deflood Benin City, he compromised it and this is rainy season, so the timing of this election was good for us and bad for the PDP because when it rains nobody can step out of his house.
“They have nothing to parade order than that Asue was the Chairman of one million boards and had made money, but what Edo people know him for is that he was just a transaction partner.
“As a sitting Governor of Edo State, I understand and respected the institution of the Oba of Benin and all the royal fathers of Edo State. I always kneel down before the Oba and will always do so, even when the current Oba asked me not to do so. A father is always a father.”
