We’ve Not Endorsed Any Presidential Candidate — Esan Royal Fathers

BENIN—ESAN traditional rulers in Edo Central senatorial

district, Edo State, yesterday, distanced themselves from

the purported endorsement of President Goodluck Jonathan

by Esan Elders Forum, saying: “You cannot endorse any

presidential candidate without the involvement of Esan

traditional rulers.”

The traditional rulers were reacting to the declaration by

Chief Julius Akpede , chairman of Esan Elders Forum, that

Esan people had backed the re-election of President

Jonathan.

However, first Vice Chairman of Edo State Council of

Traditional Rulers and Chiefs, and the Onojie of Opoji,

HRM Aidonojie Ehidiamen, described the purported

endorsement as untrue and an attempt to disrespect Esan

traditional rulers.

He said: “The so called Elders Forum is a committee set up

by the Minister of Works, Mr Mike Onolemenmen because

of his governorship ambition and Peoples Democratic

Party, PDP, interest. They are an unknown group in

Esanland. So, that committee is only fighting for the

interest of Onolemenmen and not that of Esan people.

They cannot sit in one room and say they have endorsed

Jonathan without the support of Esan traditional rulers

and Esan elites.

“They do not represent the elders of Esanland. The Vice

Chairman of that body is the brother of the minister.

Where did they hold the meeting without the Esan

traditional rulers? We as Esan people have never sat

down, to deliberate on who to support for the Presidency.

President Jonathan is contesting, Gen Muhammadu Buhari

is contesting and you cannot just go to press without

carrying traditional rulers along.”