Oba of Benin seems not to be pleased with the level of preventions in Edo state against the dreadful virus. Though the state government has discharge another negative coronavirus patient, Ewuare II believes firm measures are needed to combat COVID-19.
The Oba made his concerns known in a letter sent to the State Governor, Governor Obaseki. He advised the government to ensure no movement and enforce a stay at home order. He added that an effective total lockdown of the state will help curtail the spread of coronavirus.
In his letter, the Monarch comment:
“Your Excellency, we respectfully wish to invite your attention to the incident of COVID-19 pandemic and the attendant risk of its continued spread among the people of Edo State. You may wish to recall the stakeholders’ meeting convened by Your Excellency with traditional rulers at the outset of the outbreak of the virus, where I advised that the Edo State Government should take the issue of containment seriously, to mitigate its spread among citizens and residents of the state. However, we have observed with serious concern the rising number of confirmed cases of the COVID-19 in the state, which as at the date of this letter has reached 15 persons, with one death recorded,’’.
The Oba advised that adequate measures should also be taken to design and implement effective contact tracing strategies. This was necessary to forestall an imminent second wave of infections. He underlined that this is due to the possibility of community transmission of the virus.
Ewuare II called for provision of support in the form of palliatives for the people, especially the poor and vulnerable. The Oba said this would cushion the effects of the socio-economic disruptions occasioned by the lockdown.
He expressed confidence that the approaches, though difficult, were necessary to stop the spread of the virus.
