The Edo State elders have slammed the supporters of the Labour Party popularly known as Obidients, for the insults and abuses being directed at the Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty Oba Ewuare II.

The elders, who operate under the umbrella of the Edo Socio-Cultural Advancement and Good Governance Initiative, bemoaned what they described as a “childish, unwarranted and unacceptable behavior” of some Labour Party supporters across various social media platforms.

This complaint comes after the Labour Party Presidential candidate, Peter Obi and the party’s Edo State gubernatorial candidate Olumide Akpata paid a courtesy visit to the Oba’s palace on Saturday, June 15, 2024.

Their visit was made shortly after the inauguration of the party’s campaign office ahead of the September 21 governorship election.

Akpata also sought the support of the traditional ruler and he referred to himself as a “son of the palace” in both English and the local dialect.

However, Oba Ewuare II later countered the claim, describing him as “an industrious son of the soil and not a son of the palace”.

In a video making rounds, the Oba dismissed his claim, stating that he had asked one of his chiefs to verify Akpata’s claims, only to find that the candidate had no direct or distant links to the Palace.

This did not sit well with many including the supporters of the LP gubernatorial candidates, causing them to verbally attack the Oba.

In a press statement, the spokesman of the Elders’ group, Comrade Melvin Irabor, said the Oba was not out of place in correcting Akpata’s claim to be the “son of the palace.”

“Our Oba was not out of place in correcting the erroneous remarks and insinuations by the Labour Party candidate, Barr. Olumide Akpata, for claiming to be the ‘Son of the Palace’,” Irabor said.

He cited examples on Facebook and Twitter where the supporters had insulted the Oba.

Irabor read out some of the “disappointing comments,” including one by a user who described the Oba as a “useless ruler,” and another who suggested that the Oba would have “warmly received” Akpata if he had brought “money full of ‘Ghana must go.'”

The Elders stated that the Oba of Benin, is the “mouthpiece of the gods and the revered royal father of the kingdom,” who has a responsibility to stay apolitical and correct any candidate making “erroneous remarks and insinuations.”

“Every candidate contesting in this election has the support and blessings of our Oba. He is the father of all and he wishes every one of them well,” Irabor stated.

The elders issued a stern warning to the Labour Party supporters, asking them to desist from hurling insults at the Oba, stating that such actions would be considered an “affront on the palace.”

They also called on all political parties to conduct their campaigns in a “democratic manner and keep the campaign issues-based.”