The Oba of Benin, Omo N’ Oba N’ Edo Uku Akpolokpolo Oba Ewuare II, has appealed to South African Government to take measures to end hostility toward Nigerians in that country.
He made the call at a reception and cultural display held in his honour by Edo indigenes residing in Abuja on Saturday.
The monarch said that Nigeria contributed a lot for South Africa to be freed from apartheid, as well as helped Angola.
According to him, it is sad that Nigerians are constantly treated with hostility and aggression.
“We appeal to South African Government to do its best to stamp out hostility toward Nigerians as the country played a great role in the fight against apartheid so that Nigerians can live in peace in their country.
“This will enable Nigerians to reap what they sowed in other African countries.’’
The Oba also emphasised the need to uphold the Edo culture and value system.
“I want you to please uphold your culture very high, hold our value system seriously and do not let anybody destroy it because that is the identity we have.
“Anywhere you go; their culture is very important to them, so let us not import other people’s culture from foreign land to supersede our own. That is why I try to encourage the use of indigenous language in the home.
“That is why I also want to encourage the re-introduction of Edo language in schools and it is worrisome that history is not taught in our schools.”
He urged Edo indigenes in Abuja to do their best to uphold the unity of the country.
“I want to plead with all indigenes of Edo in Abuja to do their best to keep operate within the law, abide by the rules and regulation of the country and try not to find a way to use shortcut to breach established regulations in whatever you are doing.
“We will be praying that you succeed in whatever legitimate activities you lay your hands on.”
The Edo monarch also thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for receiving him at the Presidential Villa and also for the support he accorded him during and after his coronation.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UzNwov5LDig]
