The Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi-led faction of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has urged Gov. Godwin Obaseki of Edo to reinstate the deposed paramount ruler of Uromi, Anselm Edenojie.
The faction made the call in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr Dayo Adeyeye, in Abuja on Sunday.
Adeyeye condemned the deposition alleging that the monarch was ostensibly deposed for supporting PDP’s candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu at the recently concluded gubernatorial election in the state.
He added that the deposition was, “further evidence of favouritism and despotic reign of Oshiomole as a former governor of the state for the past eight years.
“The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria empowers all Nigerian citizens to support, associate with and be affiliated to any political party and candidate of their choice.
“It is a well known fact that several traditional rulers demonstrated
open support, and in fact campaigned for the APC candidate, Mr Godwin Obaseki.”
The faction urged all Nigerians to prevail on Obaseki to reverse what it termed “obnoxious deposition” he inherited from his predecessor.
It stated that restoring the monarch to his original position “before he was wrongfully deposed”, needed to be done.
Edenojie, the Ojuromi of Uromi, in Esan North-East Local Government Area of the state was recently deposed by the immediate former governor of the state, Oshiomole.
The monarch, before his deposition, had been given a seven-day suspension by the state government for allegedly assaulting one Ms. Betty Okoebor during the Sept. 28 governorship election.
The action, according to the state government, was sequel to his failure to respond to a query issued to him and for travelling outside the country without express permission.
He was later suspended for one year over alleged misconduct, among other offences.
The deposition, according to the state government, was pursuant to Section 28 (l and II) of the Traditional Rulers and Chiefs Law, 1979. (NAN)