2019: Resist money politics, Buhari tells traditional rulers

Pr e s i d e n t Muhammadu Buhari has called on traditional rulers to resist money politics and preach against hate speech during the 2019 general elections.

Buhari made the call at the weekend in Benin during the second coronation anniversary of the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II and the official launch of the book titled “The Benin Monarchy, an Anthology of Benin History” .

He charged the nation’s royal fathers to continue to build bridges and foster unity across the country in order to promote national development.

Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, Buhari said traditional institutions must continue to stay abreast with the digital changes in the world and should not allow the changes to affect the preservation of customs, languages and traditions of the people.

Buhari lauded the efforts of the Oba of Benin and the council of chiefs for preserving the Benin culture which he described as model to others.

A former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (rtd.), also commended the Oba of Benin for telling the history of the Benin Kingdom to avoid distortion that might arise from allowing others to do the narrative.

He stated: “One of the tragedies of Africa is that our story has always been told by others from their own perspectives and with their own purpose. The result is that much of the narratives of our continent have been a distortion,”

A former role president, Goodluck Jonathan, said the Benin Kingdom had always made the country proud through its rich history and well-structured governance system.

Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State assured that the Benin Royal Museum would be built and completed before the end of 2021.

In his address, Oba Ewuare II, said the book launched was a compendium of the great history of the kingdom and would also be showcased in London, the United States of America, among others.