The Benin Traditional Institution has described as a taboo and an affront to the Benin custom for anyone to suggest that the revered Oba of Benin is in dispute with his subjects following the suspension of some Enigie by the royal father.
It particularly frowned at the purported peace move by Governor Godwin Obaseki when he paid a reconciliatory visit to the suspended Enigie who had earlier filed a suit against the Benin monarch over their suspension.
In a statement signed by nine palace chiefs, including Chief Norense Ozigbo-Esere, Chief Edionwe Oliha and Chief Henry Osato Bazuaye, on behalf of the Benin Traditional Institution, they warned against efforts to undermine and create confusion within the Benin Kingdom.
The statement noted that “Oba of Benin reigns over the Benin Kingdom as the spiritual and royal father of the Benin people, irrespective of family status, age, and office.”
“Our attention has been drawn to the reported plan by the Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, to initiate dispute resolution of the suit filed by two suspended Enigie against His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba of Benin.
“Our attention has also been drawn to a press statement credited to the Honourable Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Edo State, Mr. Chris Nehikhare in which he claims that the suit filed by the Enigie is a family dispute within the Benin Royal Family.
“We wish to state for the avoidance of doubt that the Benin Traditional Institution has a well-established and fully functional process of customary arbitration under the authority of His Royal Majesty, The Oba of Benin. This process of customary arbitration is well-known to all Benin traditional chiefs, including the suspended Enigie.
“Any traditional chief who has any genuine cause to be aggrieved is at liberty to explore this customary arbitration process. It is therefore an abomination for any individual to seek to interfere with this age-long and well-established process of customary arbitration. We also wish to emphasize that His Royal Majesty, the Oba of Benin reigns over the Benin Kingdom as the spiritual and royal father of the Benin people, irrespective of family status, age, and office.
“Consequently, it is an affront for anyone to suggest that His Royal Majesty, The Oba of Benin is in dispute with those over whom he reigns, including members of the Royal Family. We admonish members of the general public to be wary of the abominable efforts to undermine the Benin Traditional Institution through deliberate acts and utterances which are calculated to create confusion. We appeal to members of the general public to remain law-abiding, and pray for peace to continue to reign in Benin Kingdom”, the statement added.
