Chief Priests in Edo South communities have endorsed and predicted victory for Mr Godwin Obaseki, the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress in the September 28 election in Edo State, saying he will do better than Governor Adams Oshiomhole when he becomes Governor.
The Association of Igie-Ohen in Benin Kingdom who described Obaseki and his running-mate, Hon. Philip Shaibu, as perfect replacements for the incumbent Governor, described the APC candidates as square pegs in square holes.
Secretary of the Igie-Ohen, High Priest Osarumwense Amayo, in an address delivered during a meeting to endorse Mr Godwin Obaseki in Benin City, Tuesday, said, "on the calibre of your party's governorship candidate and his running-mate, they are seen to be square pegs in square holes."
According to the Association, "To us members of Igie-Ohen we have absolute confidence that they can equally achieve greatness to the level you have embedded in the state or even surpass the achievements that have been laid down by you if they eventually become the governor and deputy after the election.
"Your Excellency sir, we have a common adage in Benin which says if a child achieves greatness above his or her parents, it is not a curse or better still not a taboo. We as a body are totally convinced that these children of yours are well nurtured by your articulate and a good sense of leadership, selfless service, sincerity, honesty and purpose of adherence to the rule of law.
"Sir, though we are not politicians, we are totally overwhelmed with the rate of development visible throughout the entire state.
"In addition, allowing the people to lead is to your credit, being the advocate. The slogan is now a household song in the entire country, Nigeria. Your Excellency sir, we pray Almighty Allah to guide, protect you and your entire family and by extension lead you to all future endeavours."
On the forthcoming governorship election, he said, "as for the election coming in a few days time, we want to assure you that all will be well in the entire state."
Responding, Governor Adams Oshimhole thanked members of Association for their continued support for his government.
He said: "I am very grateful to you, Chairman of the Igie-Ohen Association. I want to thank you for your support for my person, for my family and for the government and for your prayers over the eight years. Every year you have come to offer prayers and it is obvious that God has answered your prayers otherwise I will not be here.
"You have been consistent in your prayers for good governance, for the development of this kingdom and for my good health and wellbeing.
"I also want to thank you for endorsing our candidate, Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki and you said it all. What I believe I owe Edo people is to ensure that having supported me in the fight to reposition our state and rescue it from those who were sucking it dry and with your prayers all their evil machinations have not succeeded."
"May the Almighty God and our ancestors accept your prayers for me, for the government and our candidate and may your declaration of support translate to victory on September 28; it's just a few days away and I know that when you pronounce like that, the gods and the ancestors will ensure that it comes to pass.
"This one again by the special grace of God will again come to pass and Godwin knows he has to perform above my level so that our dream for a greater Edo will be realized. Thank you very much," he concluded