As the country prepares for another round of elections to choose new sets of leaders at both national and state levels, the Onojie of Ekpoma, HRH Zaiki Anthony Abumere 11, has cautioned politicians in Esan Land against smear campaign.
He made the call during the celebration of the 2022 Eguare-Ekpoma Culttural (Ihuen) Festival which held at the Ekpoma Royal palace, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State
The royal father advised politicians to play the game according to the rules and eschew politics of bitterness and hatred, which according to him was unhealthy for democracy and societal growth.
He thanked politicians across political parties who graced the Ihuen Festival, urging them to always exhibit the same spirit of friendship they demonstrated during the festival, irrespective of political affiliations.
He used the opportunity implore the people of Esan land to take advantage of the the ongoing voters registration by INEC, to register as voters, in order to be able to participate in election of new leaders in the coming general elections.
Speaking on the Ihuen Festival, the monarch explained that it was an annual event to commemorate the founder of the kingdom, Uda the Great, who was an ancient king of the kingdom
He said Uda was a great warrior who fought to defend the kingdom from external aggressors, explaining further that the festival was also an event to mark the end a year and the beginning of a new planting season.
The 2022 edition of the festival featured free medical services, scholarship awards, football competition, lecture, cultural displays, prayers for sons and daughters, both home and abroad, and even non natives, among others.
It attracted dignitaries from all works of life, including captains of industries, traditional rulers, politicians, among which was the speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Marcus Onobun.
