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Tag: Oba of Benin

  • Oba of Benin orders two-week fasting, prayer to combat evil in Edo

    Oba of Benin orders two-week fasting, prayer to combat evil in Edo

    The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has called on Edo indigenes and residents of the state to embark on a two-week fasting and prayer to combat evil in the State.

    In a statement on Monday by the Obamedo of Benin, Efosa Igbinomwanhia, the revered traditional ruler said the fasting would commence from September 15 to September 28.

    He urged all Benin sons and daughters at home and abroad to fast and pray during the period.

    His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, CFR, Oba of Benin, uses this medium to inform the general public that from 15 September, 2025 to 28th September, 2025, all sons and daughters of Benin Kingdom and, by extension indigenes and non-indigenes living in Edo State, to embark on two weeks fasting and prayer,” the statement read.

    “This is in line with our age-long tradition that before the commencement of the yearly new yam, it is important that we fast and pray tp God Almighty and the royal ancestors for bountiful harvest and to shield us away from sudden death and for peace and tranquillity in our individual homes, families, state and country at large.

    “All Benin sons and daughters at home and in the diaspora are to fast and pray during this period.

    “The two-week fasting period is from 6 am to 6 pm daily. The Omo N’Oba prays to God Almighty to grant us peace and happiness as we all embark on this fasting and prayer.”

  • Oba of Benin suspends 2 chiefs

    Oba of Benin suspends 2 chiefs

    The Benin Traditional Council has announced the suspension of two chiefs from the palace of the Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II.

    This is contained in a statement signed by Mr Frank Irabor, Secretary of the Benin Traditional Council, on Thursday.

    The statement said the suspension of Chief John Igiehon, the Izuwako of Benin; and Chief Aimuiukpomonyako Oghogho (Ebengho), the Oyenmwensoba of Benin, is with immediate effect.

    It explained that the suspension was due to their long absence from the palace, resulting in their failure to carry out their palace responsibilities.

    The statement advised the public to be wary of “unscrupulous chiefs” who are no longer functioning in the palace.

    It said that the suspension had been approved by the Oba of Benin.

  • Oba of Benin installs new chiefs

    Oba of Benin installs new chiefs

    The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has honoured several notable citizens with chieftaincy titles to encourage continued dedication and service to the community.

    This is contained in a statement on Sunday by Osaigbovo Iguobaro, the Chief Press Secretary to the Oba of Benin.

    The gesture is aimed at strengthening Benin traditional governance through discipline, commitment, and unwavering service to the throne and community.

    Among the honourees, Chief Godwin Emovon Ihama received the title of Obariyekagbon of Benin for his contributions to society and commitment to Benin culture.

    Chief Kenneth Osadebamwen Iduriase was honoured with the title of Obazuhunwa of Benin. Chief Osayawe Friday Odia became the new Eriyo of Benin.

    Other recipients include Chief Nosakhare Osadiaye, now Uheloro of Benin, and Chief Charles Agbonavbare Asemota, who received the Osarodion of Benin title.

    Chief Patrick Okao, named Oka’ayagbona of Benin, was praised for his outstanding service. Chief John Aiyamenkhue is now the Obayangbon of Benin.

    In the latest confirmations, Osaigbovo Osamwonyi was affirmed as the Akenuwa of Benin, while Chief Stephen Amadin was named the Obamarhiaye of Benin.

    Chief Uyi Okungbowa received the title of Ogua of Benin. These ceremonies took place at Ugha Ozolua in Oba Palace, Benin.

    Akenuwa displayed deep passion for Benin heritage. His vibrant presence during the rite captivated many and reflected his commitment to traditional values.

    He drew admiration from the audience and stood confidently before Oba Ewuare, whose goodwill was conveyed through senior chiefs in official proclamations.

    Newly titled chiefs who performed the Ekpomwen-abor thanksgiving ritual expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Oba in a dignified and culturally rich manner.

    The performance reflected both emotional depth and social awareness, blending tradition with personal expression in a striking yet respectful manner.

    Traditional Emehe and Osikhian groups rendered sacred songs, while friends, family, and well-wishers supported the chiefs with heartfelt presentations and praise.

    Chief Osaro Idah, the Obazelu of Benin, spoke about the importance of the ceremony and its cultural value for the Benin Kingdom.

    Chief Osayawe Odia, the Eriyo of Benin, thanked Almighty God, Oba Ewuare, and the revered ancestors for the honour bestowed upon him.

    He pledged to uphold and preserve Benin customs and traditions with dedication, integrity, and respect for the ancestral heritage.

  • Oba of Benin sacks chief priest

    Oba of Benin sacks chief priest

    The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, on Thursday deposed Ovbokhan Igbinovia as the traditional Chief  Priest of Okhuoromi Community in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo.

    Oba Ewuare stripped Igbinovia’s title of Ohen(Chief Priest), after reviewing the abominable traditional practices, including land grabbing.

    Other allegations against Igbinovia, included extortion, and unauthorised private property demolition in clear violation of Benin customs and tradition.

    Chief Osaro Idah, the Obazelu of Benin, conveyed Oba Ewuare’s decision to the elders of Okhuoromi, led by its Odionwere (village head), Pa. Oghagbon Edosomwan, who was mandated to administer the area on his behalf henceforth.

    Idah with other Palace Chiefs, Isaac Oyeoba (Oyeoba of Benin) and Chief Uyi Okungbowa (Ogua of Benin), addressed the Okhuoromi elders and victims of land grabbing and property demolition in the Oba Palace in Benin.

    Idah said that anyone who contravened the verdict would incur the wrath of the law and ancestors.

    According to Oba Ewuare, the Benin throne does not support acts of lawlessness and criminality under any guise, distancing the Benin palace from the alleged sacrilege.

    He urged the Okhuoromi people to eschew violence.

    Oba Ewuare assured the victims of land grabbing and extortion, who were caught in the deposed priest’s web and his agents, that justice  would be served in due course.

    He noted that palace chiefs had been assigned to further investigate and assess the level of damage in the community.

    The Oba urged individuals with claims regarding the issues to channel their complaints, with pictorial and video evidence, to the appropriate authority.

  • Oba of Benin directs Enogie(Duke) of Iguogie to oversee neighbouring community

    Oba of Benin directs Enogie(Duke) of Iguogie to oversee neighbouring community

    The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has directed Festus Osagie Aiyeki, the Enogie (Duke) of Iguogie, to oversee the affairs of the neighbouring Evbolekpen community.

    Evbolekpen is in Ovia North East Local Government Area of the state.

    This directive follows the indefinite suspension of the Enogie of Evbolekpen, Chief Enabulele Obanosa, by the Oba, along with others accused of leading a rebellion against Ewuare II.

    The directive was conveyed by Chief Stanley Obamwonyi, the Esere of Benin, during a gathering of the affected village elders at the Oba’s Palace on Wednesday in Benin City.

    Aiyeki, who currently presides over Iguogie, Igue-Otor, Igue-Edobor, and Evboro villages, will now also oversee Evbolekpen.

    He is expected to work in collaboration with the elders of the area, in accordance with Oba Ewuare’s mandate.

    Chief Obamwonyi delivered the directive in the presence of other chiefs and elders from both Iguogie and Evbolekpen villages, reaffirming the authority of the Oba’s Palace.

    “You are aware that the Enogie of Evbolekpen has been suspended by the Oba.

    Since Iguogie Dukedom is nearby, Oba Ewuare has instructed us to inform you that, from this day forward, the Enogie of Iguogie will oversee Evbolekpen on his behalf,” he said.

    Obamwonyi urged the Enogie of Iguogie to collaborate with the elders of Evbolekpen, led by its Odionwere, Pa. Gabriel Ukhure, and to avoid any unlawful activities.

    He emphasised the Oba’s commitment to repositioning the Benin Kingdom for the overall well-being of its people.

    Chief Isaac Aghafua Oyeoba, the Oyeoba of Benin, clarified that Aiyeki was not an Okao (District Head) but an Enogie.

    He explained that Aiyeki was honoured by Oba Ewuare for his loyalty, having refused to join the suspended Enigie in betraying the the Palace.

    In response, the Enogie of Iguogie, Aiyeki, pledged to fulfill his duties as directed by the Oba of Benin and to foster development in the villages under his jurisdiction.

    The Odionwere of Evbolekpen, Pa Ukhure, speaking on behalf of the elders, assured strict adherence to the Oba’s decision and expressed gratitude for the monarch’s swift intervention.

  • Oba of Benin appoints district head over Ologbo, Ehor dukedoms

    Oba of Benin appoints district head over Ologbo, Ehor dukedoms

    The Oba of Benin , Oba Ewuare II, has appointed Chief Emmanuel Iyase as Okao Eguae (District Head from the Benin Palace) over Ologbo and Ehor Dukedoms in Ikpoba-Okha and Uhunmwode Local Governments in Edo

    This is contained in a statement by Osaigbovo Iguobaro, the Chief Press Secretary to the Oba on Monday in Benin.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the appointment followed the suspension of the former Enigies (heads)of the dukedoms, Prince Owen Jackson Akenzua and Chief D. E. Igiehon for allegedly rebelling against the Benin traditional ruler.

    Meanwhile, 69 Enigies are currently on suspension for alleged rebellion.

    Iyase, the first Okao Eguae from the Benin Palace, will among other responsibilities, strengthen traditional leadership structures in the areas.

    Oba Ewuare II admonished the newly appointed Okao to shun unethical acts that could either undermine the throne authority or bring disrepute to the dukedoms.

    He admonished Chief Iyase to work in harmony with the Edionwere(elders) in the Dukedoms and with the support of designated top functionaries from the Benin Kingdom.

    Responding, Chief Iyase, who was accompanied by members of his family and well-wishers at the memorable event, thanked Oba Ewuare.

    He promised to be of good conduct for the well-being of the people and overall development of Ologbo and Ehor dukedoms.

  • “You’re our personal god, pardon us,” suspended dukes beg Oba of Benin

    “You’re our personal god, pardon us,” suspended dukes beg Oba of Benin

    Some of the 67 suspended Enigie (Dukes) of the Benin Kingdom have appealed to the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, to pardon them.

    Their appeal is contained in a statement signed by Victor Etinosa Oguigo of Ugoniyekikpoba Dukedom on Wednesday in Benin.

    Oguigo emphasised that it would be “suicidal for one to wrestle with his personal God, whom the Oba represents in our individual lives.”

    Recall that their suspension on March 7, 2025, was due to alleged anti-palace and rebellious activities against the Oba of Benin.

    Oba Ewuare II had approved the suspension of 67 Enigie across seven local government areas in the Benin Kingdom.

    The suspension was announced by the Secretary to the Benin Traditional Council, Frank Irabor.

    The Edo State Government ratified the suspension by overriding five executive orders issued by former Gov. Godwin Obaseki with a single executive order.

    The State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Paul Ohonbamu, the move was aimed at maintaining order and discipline within the state’s traditional institution.

    Ohonbamu stated that the actions of the Enigie amounted to a “Cultural Coup d’état” as they attempted to challenge the authority of the Oba of Benin.

    However, these 40 Enigie denied any misconduct, reiterating that it would be “suicidal” to go against the Oba, whom they regard as their personal God.

    They assured the Oba that they never swore any oath against him or the palace and expressed their willingness to continue fulfilling their duties and obligation.

    “We, therefore, appeal most passionately for Your Majesty to show compassion and forgive any or all of our shortcomings.

    “As our father, it is often said that ‘the hand used to discipline a child is the same hand that draws him close.

    “We categorically state that at no time did any of the Enigie swear an oath not to pay allegiance to Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, CFR, Oba of Benin.”

  • 40 suspended Enigie appeal to Oba of Benin for clemency

    40 suspended Enigie appeal to Oba of Benin for clemency

    Some of the 67 suspended Enigie (Dukes) of the Benin Kingdom have appealed to the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, for clemency and forgiveness.

    Their appeal is contained in a statement signed by Victor Etinosa Oguigo of Ugoniyekikpoba Dukedom on Wednesday in Benin.

    Oguigo emphasised that it would be “suicidal for one to wrestle with his personal God, whom the Oba represents in our individual lives.”

    NAN recalls that their suspension on March 7, 2025, was due to alleged anti-palace and rebellious activities against the Oba of Benin.

    Oba Ewuare II had approved the suspension of 67 Enigie across seven local government areas in the Benin Kingdom.

    The suspension was announced by the Secretary to the Benin Traditional Council, Frank Irabor.

    The Edo State Government ratified the suspension by overriding five executive orders issued by former Gov. Godwin Obaseki with a single executive order.

    The State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Paul Ohonbamu, the move was aimed at maintaining order and discipline within the state’s traditional institution.

    Ohonbamu stated that the actions of the Enigie amounted to a “Cultural Coup d’état” as they attempted to challenge the authority of the Oba of Benin.

    However, these 40 Enigie denied any misconduct, reiterating that it would be “suicidal” to go against the Oba, whom they regard as their personal God.

    They assured the Oba that they never swore any oath against him or the palace and expressed their willingness to continue fulfilling their duties and obligation.

    “We, therefore, appeal most passionately for Your Majesty to show compassion and forgive any or all of our shortcomings.

    “As our father, it is often said that ‘the hand used to discipline a child is the same hand that draws him close.

    “We categorically state that at no time did any of the Enigie swear an oath not to pay allegiance to Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, CFR, Oba of Benin.”

    They therefore  pleaded, saying, “Your Majesty, we humbly appeal to you to temper justice with mercy and forgive us all.

    “We are prepared and willing to appear before Your Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, at your invitation.”

  • Oba of Benin summons village heads in suspended Enigie Duked

    Oba of Benin summons village heads in suspended Enigie Duked

    The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has summoned Edionwere (village heads) and elders of villages across various domains in the Benin Kingdom.

    These domains have had their Enigie (heads) suspended indefinitely.

    This is contained in a statement signed by Frank Irabor, the Secretary of the Benin Traditional Council on Tuesday.

    The village heads and elders had been invited to a meeting with the royal father.

    Irabor said that village heads and elders from 68 additional domains, recently sanctioned by Oba Ewuare for leading a rebellion against the Benin traditional stool  were also invited.

    The meeting will take place at the Oba’a  Palace in Benin on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. prompt

  • Oba suspends 67 Enigie in Benin Kingdom

    Oba suspends 67 Enigie in Benin Kingdom

    The Benin Traditional Council has announced the suspension of 67 Enigie in Benin Kingdom, with immediate effect.

    Frank Irabor, the Secretary of Benin Traditional Council,  made this known in a statement in Benin on Friday.

    Irabor said that their suspension was as a result of their anti-palace and rebellious activities against the Oba of Benin and the traditional institution.

    “This decision was made by Ewuare ll, Oba of Benin, due to their alleged anti-palace and rebellious activities against the Oba of Benin and the traditional institution,” he said.

    According to him, the suspended Enigie’s names have been attached to the notification for information and necessary follow-up action.

    Recall that some of the suspended Enigie, including Prof. Gregory Akenzua and Edomwonyi Ogiegbaen, have earlier challenged their suspension in a Benin High Court.

    They argued that the Oba of Benin does not have the authority to suspend them, under the Traditional Rulers and Chiefs Law.

    This development highlighted the complexities of traditional institutions and their relationships with modern governance structures.