Benin Monarch Explains His Alleged Insult On President Buhari As Fake News

The Benin Traditional Council (BTC), has described as fake news, the allegation that the Benin monarch, Oba Ewuare II, insulted President Muhammadu Buhari.

In a statement, the BTC via its Secretary, Mr Frank Irabor, described as fake news, the trending video on social media anchored by one Eranomigho Edegbe, that hurled invectives and insults on President Buhari.

The statement also condemned the aspersions cast on the persons of Mr Adams Oshiomhole, a former governor of Edo and Capt. Hosa Okunbo, by the same video.

Irabor said that the cordial relationship that existed between the Oba Palace and President Buhari dates back to Buhari’s days as the Head, Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF), and maintained till today.

“For the purpose of clarification, and to set the record straight, His Royal Majesty wishes to make it categorically and irrevocably clear that the said video and the contents therein was not commissioned nor was it encouraged by the Oba.

“We condemn in the strongest terms the malicious attacks on the integrity of the President and all other persons whom the video seeks to malign.

“We wish to state unequivocally that our love for the President is unparalleled as the relationship dates back to days of late Oba Erediauwa, the immediate past Oba of Benin, which has been extended to the present monarch.

“We also wish to state that Oshiomhole has always respected, not just the traditional institutions in Edo, but also the Palace of the Oba of Benin.

“His affection for our father who adopted the comrade as a son is well known. This relationship was also further reinforced during his tenure as the governor of Edo.

“Capt. Hosa Okunbo is an illustrious son of the Palace of the Oba of Benin, thus, there can be nothing but goodwill and positive prayers for this distinguished son of Benin kingdom,’’ Irabor said.