The Labour Party (LP) candidate for the September 21, 2024, governorship election in Edo State, Olumide Akpata, recently addressed an important matter regarding his heritage and legitimacy as a true son of the Benin Kingdom. This clarification came directly from the esteemed Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty Oba Ewuare II, following a significant moment during Akpata’s campaign activities.
After the official launch of his campaign, led by the LP’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, Akpata paid homage to the Benin monarch at the palace. During his visit, Akpata made an inadvertent statement that required immediate correction. “In the course of my addressing, I inadvertently referred to myself as a son of the palace,” Akpata explained during a session with reporters on Tuesday. “What was intended was that I am a son of the soil, an indigenous Benin man and my royal father, in his usual candour, said, ‘No, you are not a son of the palace; you are an indigenous son of Benin’.”
Akpata expressed his gratitude for the monarch’s correction, emphasizing its significance in preserving the integrity of Benin traditions and cultures. “Correction well taken and I am very grateful for him setting the record straight and it was totally harmless, very educating, very enlightening for me to understand. These things are important, traditions and cultures, you must not get it wrong. You get it wrong, the misstep can be fatal. I was corrected. End of story.”
However, what could have been a simple clarification turned into a political tool, manipulated by his opponents. “It ought to have ended there if not for politics and irresponsible politicians. His words were taken out of context, twisted by those who have another agenda of their own,” Akpata noted. He expressed disappointment over how some political rivals attempted to distort the monarch’s words for their gain.
As a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Akpata is no stranger to public scrutiny. He highlighted that the confirmation from the Oba of Benin was a pivotal moment for him, particularly in dispelling doubts about his heritage. “It was a glorious moment for me because my royal father confirmed to the world that I am a true Benin son. You may not understand why that is an issue because for me, in the course of my very short political career, one issue since my entry into politics is the question as to whether I am actually a Benin man or not.”
Akpata further elaborated on the challenges he faced due to his name, which led some to question his Benin roots. “I am one of those Benin people who answer Yoruba names. In Benin City, my Benin-ness has been called to question. So, it was a fantastic day for me because none other than the monarch himself confirmed to the world that Olumide Osaigbovo Akpata is an illustrious, indigenous Benin man,” he asserted.
In the upcoming governorship election, Akpata will be competing against formidable contenders such as Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC). As the campaign heats up, this clarification from the Oba of Benin serves to solidify Akpata’s standing and address any lingering questions about his heritage.
Akpata’s narrative reflects the broader issues of identity and legitimacy in Nigerian politics, where lineage and cultural heritage can significantly influence public perception and electoral success. His candid acknowledgment of the correction by the Oba, and his transparent handling of the situation, aims to set the record straight and focus on his commitment to serving Edo State. As the election date approaches, Akpata’s campaign continues to emphasize his vision for the state and his deep-rooted connection to the Benin Kingdom.
