I would like to address some commentaries and articles that have come to my attention, purportedly in response to the questions I received from our esteemed Royal Father, His Royal Majesty, Omo N’oba N’edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare ll, Oba of Benin Kingdom, about my stewardship which every public servant should be asked, during my visit to the Palace on Thursday, June 15, 2023, following my service as Minister of State for Budget and National Planning.
I must express that I genuinely appreciate the reprovals given by His Royal Majesty, as they were unquestionably driven out of love. It reminds me of the timeless wisdom in Proverbs 3:2: “For whom the Lord loves, He reproves, even as a father corrects the son in whom he delights.” (NASB 1995 Version).
Let me make it clear, without any doubt, that the commentaries and articles that have surfaced are neither sought nor sponsored by me. It is not my nature to join issues in the public.
Therefore, for the sake of accuracy, let me reiterate emphatically: I do not, I repeat, I do not, and I will not have any disagreements with His Royal Majesty, Oba of Benin Kingdom, on any matter whatsoever. He is not only my father but also the father of all of us in Edo State. During my visit, he asked certain questions in the public eye. However, unaware to most, later that evening, His Royal Majesty graciously granted me an opportunity to privately discuss and address those concerns, allowing me to provide clarifications and answers. Especially regarding how the provision for the storage of the artefacts was captured in the Budget, for which I apologised and clarified that was not my intention.
To those who insist on writing articles and commentaries, attempting to politicise the situation (for me and against me) and draw unnecessary comparisons between my three-and-a-half years’ stewardship and the eight-year stewardship of the former Minister of Health, Dr Osage Ehanire from Edo South, I kindly request that they discontinue this fruitless pursuit.
I wholeheartedly understand the points raised by His Royal Majesty, Oba of Benin Kingdom. I hold no ill will or disagreement towards our revered Royal Father or his genuine concerns. Instead, I eagerly look forward to more of such fatherly guidance, as it is invaluable for my personal growth and development.
Signed
Prince Clem Ikanade Agba
Ofevwosi of Unemeland | Oduma of Auchi Sacred Kingdom | Otumba of Ejukuland
