Benin (Nigeria): The Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, has openly endorsed the deployment of U.S. troops to provide military aid to Nigeria in its fight against insurgency.
The Oba’s remark is contained in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Osaigbovo Iguobaro, and made available to newsmen in Benin on Thursday.
According to Iguobaro, Oba Ewuare spoke when the new 4 Brigade Commander of the Nigerian Army, Benin, Maj.-Gen. Ahmed Balogun visited him in his palace in Benin.
The statement comes amid ongoing U.S.-Nigeria efforts against insurgency.
The Oba emphasised the need for international cooperation to permanently address the phenomenon, especially by collaborating with global partners, such as the U.S.
The statement also quoted the Oba to have expressed concern over the war involving Iran, the US, Israel, and other nations of the world for power consolidation.
Ewuare, who served as Nigerian Ambassador to the Scandinavian nations and Italy before he ascended the throne, prayed to God and his ancestors to protect Nigeria and the U.S. security forces from harm.
Earlier, the 4 Brigade Commander said his visit was to notify the Oba of his deployment to the command and to solicit the Oba’s prayers to enable him to achieve the command’s mandate.
Similarly, the Oba welcomed the Assistant Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Zone G, ACG Josephine Ogbefun, with her management team, who also sought the palace’s prayers and support.
The Obasogie of Benin, Chief George Ekhator, later prayed for them on behalf of the palace.