Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Nigeria’s Edo
state jettisoned his working class garb Thursday as he came to office dressed
in a white agbada, the full traditional dress common in Western and Northern
Nigeria. But his dress was not fully complete: the comrade governor, leader of
the working class forgot to put on a cap.
Eyebrows were raised as the comrade governor
has never made a showy dressing a feature of his government in the last four
years. Even on his swearing-in day for a second term on Monday, Oshiomhole
appeared in a working class khaki, a short-sleeved shirt and trousers, as
guests appeared in flowing robes and designer suits.
It was not long
however to fathom the reason for the Governor’s dress: he was billed to receive
the respected, revered monarch of the Benin Kingdom, Omo N’oba Erediauwa.
Oshiomhole had simply
put on a garb fit for a royal reception.
The visit to
Government House by the the Benin Monarch, was a rare show of public
appearance.
The Monarch arrived the Government House in
company of some Senior Palace Chiefs and Enogies and paid tribute to the
Governor for his transformation achievements in the state, particularly in
Benin City, urging him to keep up with the good work.
“I came to
congratulate you on your swearing-in. I watched it on television and it was
very impressive. You have done well. Keep the flag flying,” the Monarch said.
Aligning himself with
prayers offered, the Monarch who is rarely seen in public noted “my Chief broke
kola and said, may God continue to enrich the treasury with the wherewithal to
do what you are doing. Please finish the projects and thank you very much. My
brother traditional rulers are waiting for you to continue work in their
domains.”
Oba Erediauwa
commended the governor’s extemporaneous speech at his inauguration, adding “you
are a wonderful man.”
Responding, elated
Governor Oshiomhole expressed deep gratitude to the Oba for his support and
prayers.
“I am deeply indebted
to your Majesty. Your Majesty has been a father to me and to all of us in Edo
State. My own biological father would not have done better for me than what you
have done.”
Outlining his vision
for the second term, the Governor noted “I am determined to do more than what I
did in the first term. We have overcome our learning curve.”
He listed the next
phase of work to include aggressively reclaiming the moat and sustaining the
work on the Benin Masterplan, adding that over the next two years, it would be
completed.
“Your Majesty, we
would restore the beauty of this great city. This is the capital of this
kingdom, this is the capital of Edo State. I am indebted to the Bini for
accepting me as a son and a brother. By their votes they spoke very loud and
clear,” Oshiomhole concluded.
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