Edo North Monarchs Back Shaibu for 2024 Guber Contest

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City

Traditional Rulers from Edo North yesterday declared that the state deputy governor, Mr. Philip Shaibu was their choice for the 2024 governorship election.

The traditional rulers, also, disclosed that the state had already notified them of this ambition

They revealed their resolve when their counterparts from other senatorial districts met with them to support a candidate from the central area since both south and north have governed the state.

In the quest of the Edo Central to produce the next governor of the state, consultations have been embarked on by well-meaning personalities, including traditional rulers.

This strategic planning and mobilisation, with the hope of building alliances and gaining support for their cause, recently, led to visits by the traditional rulers from central to Edo South, with a call at the palace of the revered Oba of Benin Kingdom to support them.

The team led by Onogie of Uromi, HRH Anslem Aidonojie, and other delegations of traditional rulers from Edo Central met with the traditional rulers from Edo North to discuss the upcoming governorship election and the candidates vying for the governorship position and to solicit their support for a governor of Esan (Edo Central) extraction. 

While responding to the request by the central traditional rulers, Olokpe of Okpe, Oba Idogu III and Egiegbai of Ekperi, Alhaji D.Y.E Kanoba on behalf of the traditional rulers from Edo North thanked their colleagues from Edo Central, but informed them that their son, Philip Shaibu who is currently the deputy governor had already informed them that he was interested in joining the governorship race slated for next year.

They added that their support would be for their son who is also in the race to become the next governor of Edo State.

The Edo North Traditional Rulers said they believed Shaibu was the best candidate for the job, citing his track record of service and commitment to the development of Edo State. 

According to them, Having singlehandedly built the Palace of the Ogieneni of Uzairue Kingdom, they have faith in his continued support for the traditional institution.

The traditional rulers noted that his candidacy would help to bridge the gap between the two regions and unite the state towards a common goal.