Traditional ruler of Uromi in Esan North East Local Government, His Royal Highness, Anslem Okojie, Onojie of Uromi, on Friday, refuted claims attributed him in the media, to have declared distrust in the Edo State governorship aspirant of Peoples Democratic Party, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, due to the party’s track record of under development in Esan community and other alleged claims.
This was even as he challenged the All Progressives Congress, APC, and a national daily to present evidence of such statement or risk charges for misrepresentation of character.
In a statement made available to Vanguard, by its National Secretary, Chief Oza Francis, the monarch said: “Let it be noted that the Onojie of Uromi had never said the following during the visit of Governor Adams Oshiomole and his entourage to the Palace.
“That he does not trust Pastor Osagie Ize Iyamu to be the Governor of Edo State, but rather, Ize I yamu was welcome to his palace 30 times a day if he wants because they are personal friends.
“That Chief Tony Anenih cannot control him, Chief Tony Anenih is an illustrious son of Esan land and Uromi in particular, and we are so proud of him.
“That the PDP had made many unfulfilled promises in Esan land, HRH did not even make any reference to PDP during his speech.”
However, highlights of what the Onojie said to the Governor and his entourage were, “that the Governor and his entourage breached Protocol by going to the Campaign Venue first before coming to the Palace, and that he respects protocol when he is in Government House, and as such he expected them to do the same in Uromi.
The statement noted that “Also, the explanation of the N6 million was as a result of the falsehood being spread by the Onojie of Opojie, that he was not part of the endorsement of Pastor Ize Iyamu by the Enijies in Esan land.”
He added that the 29 Enijie’s including the Onojie of Opoji unanimously endorsed the candidacy of Ize Iyamu, and they still stand by that decision.
Adding, “Moreso, the Onojie thanked Oshiomole for the two Road Projects done in Uromi and the Town Hall he built for the Efandion Community. The Onojie therefore challenged the APC and the national daily to as a matter of urgency produce the video evidence of their visit to the palace on Wednesday, August 3, 2016, in order to clear the air on what actually transpired during the visit and set the records straight for posterity sake.”
