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Tag: Oba of Benin

  • Oba of Benin is uncontestable head of all traditional rulers and chiefs in Edo State

    Oba of Benin is uncontestable head of all traditional rulers and chiefs in Edo State

     

    …monarch’s subvention has been shored up, not reduced as is being peddled by mischief makers

    The Edo State Government restates that the Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, remains the uncontestable head of all the traditional rulers and chiefs in Edo State.

    This was contained in a statement signed by the state’s Commissioner for Information, Chris Osa Nehikhare on Friday.

    The government notes that the subvention to the monarch has increased since Governor Godwin Obaseki came into office and has not been reduced whatsoever, as is being falsely peddled by mischief makers.

    Rather, the funding increased since the commencement of the administration of Governor Godwin Obaseki because the Value Added Tax (VAT) and the excess crude components have been included.

    The Oba of Benin’s position as the permanent head of all the traditional rulers in Edo State remains sacrosanct in the State Government’s implementation of the Traditional Rulers and Chiefs Edict of 1979, especially as relates to section 45 of the edict.

    Recently, in the wake of some disagreement among some traditional rulers in the State, the traditional rulers agreed with the State Government to temporarily warehouse the fund in a central pool until the administrative issues were addressed. This was between April 2023 and July 2023.

    It is important to state here that against the false information that the fund was withheld from July 2022 to July 2023, all statutory payment was paid until April 2023, when it was agreed for the funds to be warehoused till date for the resolution of outstanding issues.

    These administrative issues have now been resolved by the Edo State Government and the palace delegation led by the Iyase of Benin, Chief Sam Igbe, and this pool of funds is now being disbursed to the various traditional rulers across the State as well as the Benin Traditional Council.

    The total amount now being disbursed to all the traditional rulers in the State is N1,316,746,764.13. Of this amount, N639,269,245.26, goes to the traditional rulers in Edo South Senatorial District.

    While the Benin Traditional Council (BTC) gets N319,634,622.63, the balance of N255,707,698.0 is distributed to the traditional councils in the seven local governments in the senatorial district, while N63,926,924.52 left is reserved for any emergency in the councils.

    In the same vein, Edo North traditional rulers get N377,642,592.6 while Edo Central traditional rulers receive N299,834,926.27

    It is therefore shocking to hear mischief makers trying to stir a phantom crisis between the Edo State Government and the palace of the revered monarch, with many of them making completely false statements and spreading misinformation on social media.

    We call on Edo people to be wary of misinformation and know that everything is being done according to the law and the accounts of the traditional rulers are being credited.

    In all of these, we want to by this medium restate that His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, the Oba of Benin, remains permanent chairman of the Edo State Council of Traditional Rulers and Chiefs as well as the permanent chairman of Benin Traditional Council (BTC).

    Funding to the revered palace has been shored up and is not in any way depleted as these purveyors of falsehood have gone out to portray in the public domain.

    With this full implementation of the law, the government expects members of local government traditional councils to interface with their subjects and promote security, intelligence gathering and community development within their domains.

    The government will continue to work towards harmonious living in the state, ensuring that all stakeholders are carried along in its development strides.

     

    Chris Osa Nehikhare

    Hon. Commissioner for Communication & Orientation

    August 19, 2023

  • President Tinubu vows to provide protection for Benin artefacts

    President Tinubu vows to provide protection for Benin artefacts

    President Bola Tinubu has pledged to protect Benin artefacts returned to the country from different parts of the world as a way of archiving the history of the people.

    Tinubu made the commitment on Friday in Abuja when he received the Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo Ewuare II, and other traditional leaders from Edo.

    The President assured them that his administration would support the Benin Royal Council in its bid to establish a museum to house the artefacts.

    Tinubu congratulated the Benin paramount ruler for the retrieval of the stolen artefacts.

    He commended the Oba’s effort in ensuring that a befitting museum was built to archive the rich history and traditions of the Benin Kingdom.

    “It deserves our protection. We are glad to have them back, and we are glad you are happy.

    “They are in protective custody. It is a matter of history, over a hundred years. We will work on the museum,” he said.

    Tinubu said the Federal Government was undertaking an audit of its infrastructure projects, promising to ensure that roads in Edo are considered in line with a request made by the traditional ruler.

    In his address, Oba Ewuare II commended the President for the giant strides of his administration within its first weeks.

    “We’ve predicted that you would hit the ground running and you have done so, even faster than we thought,” the royal father said.

    He said the steps taken by the President since his inauguration had renewed the hope of Nigerians and put the country on the path to progress and development.

    The Oba appealed to Tinubu to help the Benin Palace to ensure that the artefacts returned were not stolen or taken over from the Benin Royal House.

    He thanked the Federal Government for his appointment as Pro-Chancellor of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN).

  • Oba of Benin flays ex-Minister for sectional representation

    Oba of Benin flays ex-Minister for sectional representation

    The Oba of Benin,  Oba Ewuare II, has expressed “total disappointment“ over what he described as the “lopsided representation“ by the immediate past Minister of Budget and National Planning, Prince Clem Agba.

    In a statement in Benin by Mr Iguobaro Osaigbovo, the Chief Press Secretary to the Oba, the king noted that while in office the ex-minister failed to extend ministerial benefits to Edo South and Edo Central Senatorial Districts.

    According to the statement, Oba Ewuare expressed the disappointment while responding to the minister who was on a thank-you -visit to palace for the role it played in his appointment as a minister by former President Muhammadu Buhari.

    Oba Ewuare noted that having benefited from a goodwill that led to his appointment, Agba should have reciprocated the kind gesture to the entire three senatorial zones of the state, rather than engaged in “politics of disintegration“.

    Oba Ewuare advised  all Edo indigenes to use their good offices to attract development to the state and to better the lots of the people.

    He said the erstwhile Minister of Budget and Planning performed “below expectation“.

  • Oba of Benin pardons rebellious Enigie

    Oba of Benin pardons rebellious Enigie

    Some rebellious Enigie (Dukes) have voluntarily returned and pledged their allegiance to the great Benin throne.

    A statement by Mr Iguobaro Osaigbovo, Chief Press Secretary to Oba to Benin, Oba Ewuare II, on Sunday, disclosed the pledge followed an alleged dramatic and failed coup to balkanize Benin Kingdom.

    He recalls that the Dukes claimed to have been misled in signing the purported letter in November, 2022, requesting the Edo State government to create a parallel Benin Traditional Rulers Council (BTC) for the seven Benin-speaking Local Government Areas, which make up Edo South Senatorial district.

    In line with his fatherly disposition, Ewuare II has accepted the apology of the Dukes and extended a hand of fellowship to them in the distribution of foodstuffs.

    In an interview with newsmen, HRH Sylvester Ogiesoba, the Enogie of Ogua village, and HRH Imagbenikaro Ekhosuehi, the Enogie of Oka N’ Izevbihen, both in Ikpoba-Okha local government area of the state, thanked Oba Ewuare II for the gesture.

    Also speaking, HRH Orobosa Agbongiazowe, the Enogie of Isievbe village, and HRH Usuanlele Iyengumena, the Enogie of Uma village, both in Uhunmwode Local government Area of Edo State, appreciated the Oba for the foodstuffs and prayed God and the ancestors to bless him.

    Speaking on behalf of the traditional rulers, the Enogie of Ehor village, HRH Ehigiamusoe Igiehon, his counterpart in Ihovbo village, both in Uhunmwode local government area, thanked the Oba of Benin for his kind gesture.

    Among others who also benefited from Oba’s kind gesture were the Priests of deities of various categories, including, Ohen-Awan of Ivbiotor village, Mr Egharevba Igbinehi; Ohen of Ikhuen-Obo, Mr Ekpen Aighobahi,  and Ohen Ovia of Unuamen N’ Igbinesigie, as well as Ohen Iye-Ewuare, Asenogua N’ Ohan-Obamumwen in Amufi village.

  • Oba of Benin petitioned over plan to install priest

    Oba of Benin petitioned over plan to install priest

    Indigenes of Obateru Village, near Ughoton, in Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo, have petitioned the Oba of Benin over the planned installation of Mr Afona Isibor as Priest (Ohen) of Obagbeni Village in the same council area.

    In their letter of protest, signed by the Uzukpogieva (second most elderly man), Mr Emmanuel Uwagboe and Secretary, Mr Kevin Okunzuwa, on behalf of elders of the village, the indigenes claimed that there was neither a shrine nor a priest (Ohen) in Obateru village to warrant such a position.

    According to the priest, Isibor and his cohorts, in their deceit and desperation to claim affinity to Obateru, a village they had earlier claimed does not exist, clandestinely chose another name, Obagbeni, to refer to the same Obateru Village to deceive the palace.

    The Obateru people, who described themselves as the original settlers of the village, with affinity to Ughoton, said only one priest (Ohen Okun) was recognised even by the palace.

    They appealed to the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, to investigate Isibor’s deceit and sacrilegious activities.

    In the petition ,the people appealed that the planned installation be suspended.

    They alleged that Isibor, in connivance with some influential individuals in the palace, had manipulated facts to deceive the palace by dragging in Obateru’s name in the controversy,  pointing out that it “is currently a subject of litigation an Court of Appeal, Benin.

    The petitioners wondered why Isibor, who had been parading himself as an Ohen Oriaza, as contained in several documents , now wanted the palace’s approval for a position he had appropriated to himself.

    Arising from Isibor’s alleged deceit and cunny maneuvering to misinform and mislead the palace on the position of the priesthood, the elders and the people of Obateru urged the Oba to suspend his installation forthwith in order not to drag the palace into disrepute.

    “Your Majesty, may we quickly add that Obateru is in court with its neighbouring village, Evbuorokho, over the same contentious issue of its existence as an autonomous village.

    “While a Benin High Court has given judgment in suit No. HOCK/45/2008, in favour of Obateru Village, the matter still pends at the appeal court in suit No. CA/B/609/2015,” the petition said.

    Speaking before palace chiefs, Uwagboe, noted that traditionally, the Ohen Okun of Ughoton, was the only recognised priest within the Ekenwan axis.

    “This is the reason why Afona deceitfully corrupted Obateru to Obagbeni to get Oba Ewuare’s II approval to be installed as Ohen, a position that has never existed.

    “Your Royal Majesty, Afona and his cohorts at several occasions have attacked members of Obateru with armed thugs to cause fear and overrun the leadership of Obateru for his selfish and pecuniary gains to further advance his haulage and land grabbing businesses.

    “Afona and his sibling, Osazee, have boasted several times that they will use their connections to some influential individuals within the palace to achieve their desire after their failed attempt to arrest elders of Obateru Village with operatives from  Police’s Zone 5.”

    The people have, therefore, appealed to his majesty to suspend the planned installation, investigate the alleged devious actions of Otasowie and his cohorts and to call them to order in the interest of justice.

    Chief Uyi Okungbowa, a palace chiefs, who received the protesters, assured them that the palace would properly investigate their complaints.

  • Oba of Benin to take custody of repatriated looted artefacts

    Oba of Benin to take custody of repatriated looted artefacts

    The Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, has notified the Netherlands Government about Nigeria’s Government Gazette recognising and vesting custody and management of repatriated looted Benin artefacts in the Oba of Benin.

    This is contained in a statement on Monday in Benin, by Mr Iguobaro Osaigbovo, Chief Press Secretary to Ewuare II.

    Ewuare II, notified the Netherlands Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Wouter Pomp, of the significance of the gazette and Presidential declaration, when the diplomat paid a courtesy visit to the Palace.

    He explained that the future of the Benin Bronzes and artefacts were in the gazette, adding that the ownership, custody and management of the artefacts were spelt out clearly in the gazette.

    “They are spelt out clearly. The ownership, custody, and management, is vested in the Oba as an institution. That is the law.”

    He noted that the ongoing plans for the construction of Benin Royal Museum at the instance of the Nigerian Government was on course.

    According to him, the building of a Benin Royal Museum is a Federal Government project and we have been on it for some time now.

    He recalled that the Federal Republic of Nigeria in Notice No. 25 in the official Gazette No. 57, Volume 110 at pages A245-247, dated March 23, 2023, laid to rest, the simmering tussle between the Palace and Gov Godwin Obaseki of Edo, over who should be the custodian of the artefacts.

    Earlier, in his remarks before the Benin throne,  Pomp congratulated the Oba for redirecting the course of history.

    He pledged his government’s support in strengthening Nigeria in the area of employment, migration and cultural diplomacy.

    “We are very interested in all the history of the Benin Bronzes, some of which as you are aware, are still in the Netherlands.

    “Contacts are underway between Netherlands Commission for Monuments and the Commission for Monuments of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    “There has been meetings between the Commissions about the future of the Benin Bronzes,” he said.

  • Oba of Benin suspends Duke over alleged plot to revolt

    Oba of Benin suspends Duke over alleged plot to revolt

    The Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, on Sunday endorsed the suspension of Prof. Gregory Akenzua, as the Enogie (Duke) of Evbuobanosa Dukedom in Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo.

    This is contained in a statement signed by Mr Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Chief Press Secretary to Oba Ewuare 11.

    According to the statement, the Palace suspended Akenzua as Enogie over allegations of leading rebellion against the Benin throne.

    The statement said  “the Enogie’s suspension arose from several complaints and protests against him by elders across the six communities in Evbuobanosa Dukedom.

    “These comprised Evbuobanosa, Abudu, Igue-Ohenza, Idu-dolor, Iru and Evbuohen.”

    It said the palace endorsed the communities’ protest letter for the Enogie’s suspension following his refusal to heed fellow Enigies’s  call  to apologise to the Royal Father.

    The statement said “the elders indicted Prof. Akenzua for colluding with the suspended Enogie of Egbaen-Siluko Dukedom, Edomwonyi Iduozee Ogiegbaen of misconduct, failure to perform his duties and allegation of attempted ploy to organise a revolt against the Benin throne.”

    It said that Prof. Akenzua allegedly led delegation of Enigie to Gov. Godwin Obaseki of Edo in  November 2022.

    According to the statement,  the delegation went to see the governor requesting the government to constitute a parallel Benin Traditional Council (BTC) for seven Local government Areas in Edo South Senatorial district, with outright disrespect and disregard to  the Palace, thereby fuelling agitations to Balkanize Benin Kingdom.

    “Addressing the elders from the communities in his palace at the weekend, Oba Ewuare II highlighted the trust deficit among the Enogie’s fold that stirred emotions that transcend logic.

    “I want everyone to hear this that some Dukes the Palace sent to represent the the throne are behaving funny.

    “Why can’t we call or invite them to answer the complaints? They have also resolved never to retrace their steps from the path of perfidy”, Oba Ewuare II said.

    “Elders you have all heard all that have been said. Look after the area. Do not fight. Don’t allow anyone to fight or quarrel or entertain any form of disagreement or division among you.”

    Earlier, spokespersons from the various communities, conveyed their regrets to Oba’s palace and appealed to Oba Ewuare to strip Prof. Akenzua of traditional duties and insubordination.

  • Oba of Benin shuts down city with royal road walk

    Oba of Benin shuts down city with royal road walk

    The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II New year Day solidarity walk shut down the city on Sunday as fun seekers were seen in snaking queues to catch a glimpse of the king.

    The Sunday afternoon walk to the Palace started after the Thanksgiving Service at the Holy Aruosa Cathedral (Edo National Church of God) on Akpakpava street to climax the annual ‘Igue festival’.

    The traditional ruler staged a similar royal road walk during his 6th year Coronation Anniversary Thanksgiving in the church on Oct. 23, 2022.

    Oba Ewuare II was accompanied by members of the Benin Royal family, Chiefs, Dukes (Enigie), Benin residents, worshippers in the church and Palace functionaries during the procession.

    The Royal movement went through the Oba Ovonramwen Square where fun seekers at the National Museum and traders in the locality trooped out to pay homage to the king.

    Adjoining streets, linking the King Square, were temporarily locked down during the procession by the Oba, who doubles as the spiritual leader of the Church, amidst cultural dance, cheers and songs of oration eulogising him.

    During the Church Service, Oba Ewuare II, with members of the Royal family and Oloi (Queens), gave thanks to God and the ancestors.

    In a sermon titled, ‘Iwero’ (Greedy people), the presiding Priest of Holy Aruosa Cathedral, Ohen-Osa Edebiri Igbinoghodua, cautioned agitators for secession.

    He said the people, including some Dukes (Enigie) involved in “outrageous activities” in Benin Kingdom, must retrace their steps in order not to incur the wrath of God and ancestors.

    Igbinoghodua also advised groups allegedly involved in conspiracy to administer certain areas in the Benin Kingdom on behalf of the Oba, not to divide Benin Kingdom.

  • Oba of Benin inducts 8 new Dukes to oversee villages

    Oba of Benin inducts 8 new Dukes to oversee villages

    Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has inducted eight Dukes traditionally known as Enigie to oversee some villages in his domain.

    The Dukes are the first set of hereditary titles of Enigie that had been inducted since the past six years when the Oba ascended the throne.

    Chief Press Secretary to the Oba, Osaigbovo Iguobaro announced the induction via a statement issued on Sunday in Benin.

    Iguobaro said with the development, Akenzua Ileruhnuwa is to preside over Oghobaghase village, while Imadonmwinyi E. Ogbemudia takes charge of Obagie N’Evbuosa village both in Ikpoba-Okha local government area of Edo.

    Uwaifiokun Festus Ogbo, according to him, assumes duty as Enogie of Ugha village; Eguagie Ogieayevbona, Enogie of Ike-N’isi village, while Owie Osamudiamien Terry takes charge of Evboeren N’erua village, all in Uhunmwode Local Government Area of the state.

    Others are Igbinidu Iduorobo Ernest, for Uwan Esegie village and Alfred Erhauyi Osagie as Enogie of Oye-Iyanomo village, both in Ovia North East Local Government Area, while Izevbokun Lucky Obaisiagbon presides over Evbovbioba/Evboekhae village in Oredo Local Government Area of the State.

    The chief press officer reported the paramount ruler as warning the inductees against indiscriminate sale of communal land in their various domains.

    He warned that he would not hesitate to sanction any of them that got involved in nefarious activities.

    “Why would we sell communal land indiscriminately? You didn’t advise investors and developers to provide basic amenities, including schools and other amenities that will give comfort to residents in your area.

    “All you are interested in is sell land, use the proceeds to purchase expensive vehicles, and start bragging.

    “Anyone that is involved in such an act henceforth, I will personally remove him from the position.

    “Things are changing for good in Benin Kingdom. As Dukes, you should be well behaved. Behave responsibly both in principle and practice.

    “Everything that has been said here must not change. Everyone has to abide by it,” Oba Ewuare reportedly said while addressing the Enigie.

  • Osinbajo’s credentials intimidating – Oba of Benin

    Osinbajo’s credentials intimidating – Oba of Benin

    The Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba Ewuare II, says co-contestants for the position of the President of Nigeria are shivering because of the intimidating dossier of the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo.

    The traditional ruler expressed this view on Thursday when he received the vice president on a courtesy visit to his palace in Benin.

    He said that other aspirants under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and other political parties in the 2023 presidential election are feeling intimidated by Osinbajo’s credentials.

    “No doubt, your credentials, since you have come out to run for this great office, I think you are going to give a lot of problems to all the other contestants.

    “There is no gainsaying that they all probably are shivering where they are because your credentials, calmness, humility and great respect for culture and being a true man of God, are frightening.

    “If we have politicians in the country that have the fear of God in their heart, not just to go there to rape the treasury and oppress people, whether at the presidential level or gubernatorial level, I think the country will be better for it.

    “But what we see, most of the time, are people rushing to be president, vice president or governors, only to go there and loot the treasury, enrich themselves, leaving the electorate that put them there, hard and dry.

    “This kind of thing should change; they should put the electorate first.”

    The traditional ruler gave his royal blessings to Osinbajo’s aspiration.

    “As a man of God, if by the grace of God, you are the man, you have a whole lot on shoulder to remove all these vices out of our society and make Nigeria a better place to live and a tourist destination and in all spheres.

    “We want to stay here in Nigeria and enjoy the good things of life in Nigeria, not in Dubai, not in the United States and some other countries,” he said.