The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Benin City

  • Making urban regeneration vehicle for sustainable development

    Making urban regeneration vehicle for sustainable development

    Sir: Urban regeneration could be explained as a reform mechanism for the enhancement of existing communities. The programme involves demolition of structures and neighbourhoods, relocation of businesses and people. But over time, urban regeneration has evolved into a policy based less on destruction, but more on renovation and investment.

    Today, urban regeneration is an integral part of continuous development efforts, especially in the developing climes such as ours, which has been largely overtaken by challenges and social vices such as criminality, housing problems, infrastructural decay, environmental degradation and traffic congestion among others. The reality in the major Nigerian cities such as Lagos, Benin City, Ibadan, and Port Harcourt bears visible testimony to this phenomenon. Thus urban regeneration and renewal is provoked by problems and challenges of urban decay, with facilities in poor condition and in disrepair, deterioration of buildings, overcrowding, lawlessness, slum and a large percentage of the population living in unhygienic conditions and in areas prone to floods and accidents, and the invasion of peri-urban spaces leading to loss of land and natural resources.

    Nigeria has been trying since early post-independence years to deal with slums, squatter and illegal settlements which came about as a result of rapid population increase, compounded by inadequate supply of housing and or inadequate supply of land for residential purposes, abject poverty, and economic incapability of low-income urban residents. These challenges provoke the government to undertake urban regeneration as a tool for sustaining urban development, infrastructure and economic development.

    A lot of Nigerians would stop at nothing to be in the major cities because of their perception of the cities as havens for personal economic development and prosperity. These anomalies must be corrected if we must have the megacities we desire, and if we must attain the socio-economic height we desire.

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    Hitherto, only few state governments such as Lagos, Akwa Ibom and the Federal Capital Territory are known to have embarked on urban regeneration projects. Other states must follow; otherwise the present chaotic urban development situation will worsen in the years to come. This is the time to address the situation.

    The way to go is that housing shortfall and problems which give rise to slums, shanties and illegal settlements across our major cities should be more frontally addressed. Then a good number of the existing slum communities would have to be regenerated and completely redeveloped but with consideration to resettlement of indigenes, the original community settlers, property owners, tenants and other stakeholders. Carrying out these activities will not only improve the aesthetics and appearance of the communities, but will also enhance their property values, and gradually urban decay would be dealt with before it snowballs into a bigger problem.

    It is also recommended that the occupiers of such slum communities be integrated and be a part of the process leading to better neighbourhoods. Everybody is a stakeholder and has roles to play in urban renewal. From the federal government to state governments, to urban renewal agencies and other organizations saddled with the responsibility of urban renewal and regeneration, to private organizations carrying out consultancy work relating to planning and physical development, to community leaders, community dwellers, landlords and tenants.

    •Elimihele Adesua Kate, Irrua, Edo State.

  • Could MOWAA make Benin City Africa’s next cultural capital?

    Could MOWAA make Benin City Africa’s next cultural capital?

    As the countdown begins to the public opening of the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) in Benin City, excitement and questions continue to grow.

    Many have wondered if the ambitious cultural project will truly benefit the people of Edo State, or if it will become just another grand promise that delivers little to its host community.

    But for many observers, MOWAA represents something different, a vision built not apart from Benin, but within it.

    The project, which has taken five years to bring to life, is designed to create jobs, inspire pride, and position Benin City as one of Africa’s leading cultural and creative capitals.

    The world is already taking notice. Earlier this year, The New York Times named Benin City among the top global destinations to visit in 2025, citing MOWAA as a major reason.

    The mention was not just a nod to the city’s legendary past as the home of the Benin Bronzes, but also an acknowledgment of its dynamic future, one anchored on creativity, tourism, and innovation.

    Across Edo State, the museum is already generating opportunities, from employment and technical training to local partnerships and business growth. For many, it signals the rebirth of Benin’s centuries-old legacy of art and craftsmanship in a modern, global context.

    Experts have drawn parallels between Benin’s transformation and what happened in Bilbao, Spain, after the Guggenheim Museum opened in 1997.

    Once an industrial port city struggling with unemployment, Bilbao was reborn as one of Europe’s most vibrant cultural destinations. The so-called “Bilbao Effect” is now a global reference point for how culture can drive urban renewal.

    Within a few years of opening, the Guggenheim attracted millions of visitors and generated billions of euros in economic activity, transforming the local economy and redefining the city’s image.

    Benin City may be on the brink of a similar transformation. With MOWAA at its centre, the city’s tourism, hospitality, and creative industries are expected to experience new growth. From hotels to artisans, restaurants to transport operators, small and medium businesses are preparing to benefit from increased visitor traffic.

    Nigeria’s youthful population, 70 percent of whom are under 35, stands to gain the most. Through initiatives like Unearth, MOWAA’s hands-on archaeology and heritage training programme, and artist residencies connecting local talent with international creatives, the museum is creating platforms for young Nigerians to learn, collaborate, and build sustainable careers.

    Critics who argue that MOWAA will not benefit ordinary Edo people may be overlooking the broader picture. The museum’s design and programmes are intentionally inclusive, aimed at ensuring that the people of Edo, particularly the youth, are not just spectators, but active participants in the city’s cultural revival.

    From November 11, when MOWAA officially opens its galleries to the public, visitors will witness how art, heritage, and community converge to redefine what a modern African city can be.

    The real question, observers say, is no longer whether MOWAA will benefit Edo people, it already is. The challenge now is how far those benefits will spread and whether Benin City, like Bilbao before it, will become a shining example of how culture can transform not only skylines but lives.

  • Benin City to Host Edo Carnival 2025 in December

    Benin City to Host Edo Carnival 2025 in December

    Benin City, the Edo State capital, will come alive from December 21 to 24 when it plays host to the Edo Carnival 2025, a four-day cultural fiesta showcasing music, dance, fashion, food, and tradition.

    The event, which will hold at Garrick Memorial on Ekehuan Road, is expected to draw thousands of visitors, including culture enthusiasts, tourists, and residents. Organisers said the carnival will feature cultural parades, traditional masquerades, live music concerts, and fashion shows celebrating Edo and African styles. Dance competitions and street performances will also add colour to the city.

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    Food lovers will enjoy a festival of delicacies that blends Edo favourites with Nigerian staples, while educational programmes such as seminars and training sessions will run alongside the entertainment.

    One of the highlights will be the Miss Edo Carnival 2025 pageant, described as a platform to celebrate grace, intelligence, and cultural pride.

    The festival will climax with a grand finale and fireworks display across the Benin skyline.

    According to the organisers, Edo Carnival is designed not only as entertainment but also as a celebration of the state’s heritage and a platform to boost tourism and community.

  • Use of ‘Royal Highness’: Court strikes out Otaru of Igarra’s suit

    Use of ‘Royal Highness’: Court strikes out Otaru of Igarra’s suit

    A High Court sitting in Benin City has struck out a suit filed by the Otaru of Igarra, His Royal Highness Oba Emmanuel Adeche Saiki II, seeking to restrain members of the Eziobe group of clans in Igarra, Akoko-Edo Local Government Area, from using the title “His Royal Highness.”

    The Otaru had approached the court to declare that the use of the appellation “His Royal Highness” by the Eziobe group was illegal, misleading, and an encroachment on his traditional authority as the paramount ruler of Igarra and the Akuku clan.

    He also asked the court to interpret and enforce a judgment delivered in 1985, which he claimed barred individuals within the Eziobe group from styling themselves as “His Royal Highness.”

    The Otaru further objected to the proposed installation of a new traditional title holder by the Eziobe group, to be known as Oshinoyi — a position intended to represent the broader Igarra community, excluding the Akuku clan.

    The suit, filed under Suit No: HIG/39/2023 at the High Court of Justice, Edo State, Igarra Judicial Division, was instituted by Oba E.A. Saiki, suing for himself and on behalf of the Five Other Ruling Houses of Igarra and the Akuku Clan.

    The Defendants include HRH Barr. S. S. Mayaki, sued on behalf of members of the Eshimozoko family (excluding dissenters),

    HRH. Aliu Ogbodo Suleiman, representing the Anona family,

    HRH. Sunday Otaru, for the Anonyete family,

    Hon. Sunday Saiki, sued on behalf of members of the group styled Eziobe Clan of Igarra.

    Also joined in the suit by a court order were Chief Charles Shanu Aiyelabola ( the Akuta of Igarra) and Alhaji Dahiru Bayode Daniyan (the Oga of Igarra), for the Ezidowo group of families of Igarra, Oba Lawani Daudu, the Odafe of Akuku,

    S. O. Akao, representing the Akuku community.

    These parties were all accused by the claimant of unlawfully adopting the style “His Royal Highness” and attempting to institutionalize rival traditional authority structures outside the jurisdiction of the Otaru.

    However, the case took a different turn as the court, presided over by the Chief Judge of Edo State, Hon. Justice Daniel Okungbowa, declined jurisdiction and struck out the matter.

    In a ruling, Justice Okungbowa held that the court could not entertain the case because a similar suit on the same subject matter (Suit No. B/553) is currently pending before the Fugar High Court — a court of coordinate powers. As such, entertaining the suit in Benin would amount to an abuse of court process.

    The defense team, led by Barrister Razak Isenalumhe, had argued that the existence of the pending Fugar case rendered the present suit incompetent. They maintained that no court can override or interpret a decision from a court of equal standing while the matter is still active.

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    Justice Okungbowa agreed with the argument, stating that the High Court in Benin lacked the legal authority to revisit or enforce a judgment delivered by another court of equal rank. He subsequently struck out the application.

    Speaking to reporters after the ruling, Barrister Topa Jatto, one of the defence lawyers, described the judgment as “a victory for law and order.”

    “This decision reaffirms the principle that no court can assume jurisdiction over a matter already being adjudicated by another court of equal status. It’s a solid win for judicial discipline and due process,” he said.

    Also reacting, a representative of the Eziobe group of clans, Mr. Moses Skinner Gadimoh, welcomed the ruling and offered his interpretation of its broader cultural implications.

    “Under Nigerian law, the use of the title His Highness or ‘His Royal Highness’ is not exclusive to any individual or traditional institution unless expressly reserved by statute or gazetted recognition,” Gadimoh explained.

    “While traditional authority should be respected, the court cannot be used to settle cultural or customary rivalries where no legal breach has occurred. Unless it is tied to a gazetted chieftaincy position, the use of the title *His Highness or ‘His Royal Highness’* cannot be legally restricted.”

    The ruling has sparked widespread jubilation among the Eziobe group of clans, many of whom gathered at the palace of *the Oshemdase of Igarra* to celebrate what they called a landmark victory for fairness, recognition, and cultural plurality.

    According to Elder Obed Abogunmoza, “This judgment has bolstered the Eziobe family’s confidence in the other pending matters, and they are optimistic that subsequent judgments will resolve the longstanding dispute. 

    “It will also reaffirm the distinctiveness of the Eziobe clan and its royalty. And clearly differentiate it from the Eziezu family while establishing the Eziobe clan’s unique identity and royal heritage”.

  • Oliruah: Initiation into manhood in Auchi

    Oliruah: Initiation into manhood in Auchi

    • By Kabir Ramotu Afiz

    Auchi was founded in the 14th Century by a man called Uchi, who left a place called Udo, about 30 kilometres Northwest of Benin City, the Edo State capital.

       He left with his family due to civil unrest, ethnic strife, intimidation, brutalisation and dehumanisation. His preference for Auchi was partly attributed to access to water, fertile land and lush greenery which spew around Auchi till date.

    Auchi people of old were farmers, hunters, blacksmiths, and traditional worshipers.

    The umbilical cord that holds the people of Auchi sacred kingdom together is manhood celebration also called iruah (Age Initiation Festival). This ritual is dated back to 19th Century. And it is performed every three years during sallah. The ritual was initiated by five clans of Auchi sacred kingdom and was made compulsory for grown men from 17 to 19 years.

    The manhood initiation gives the young boys the chance to perform the rituals known as oliruah rituals. The motive behind oliruah ritual is to transform the celebrators from boyhood to young men i.e manhood. 

    The ritual gives the new initiate the opportunity to purify themselves and be identified as men of the community and give them the liberty to marry. It is performed in every three years during the Muslim big sallah festival.

    On the first day of sallah celebration, all the celebrants will wear the same chosen colour of traditional attire (agbada, shirts and trousers, immediately after Eid prayer, they will line up and walk straight to the Otaru of Auchi sacred palace for his prayers and blessings.

    On the second day of Eid celebration, each initiate fully adorned with its group chosen colour of traditional attires will visit the clan of the General Chairman, Utsogun, to dine and wine together.

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    On the third day of the Eid celebration, the new initiates will pull off the attire up to the underwear with the exemption of the Agbada (loose shirt) they will run directly to a place where the eldest woman is seated and cross her legs and dropping money for her in that process.

    After crossing the eldest woman legs, the running still continues and the new initiate must not look back, stop nor talk to anyone or fall down until he gets to his house, enter the bathroom and wash himself.

    Each of the young boys in the age group is usually advised to be conscious of the aged woman chosen for the solemn act of oliruah rituals because it is believed in Auchi sacred kingdom that once this rite has been accomplished, each young man has to ensure that he will never again have anything to do with such woman not even eating her food.

    On the fourth day, which is the last day of the celebration, the young men join in the ‘men club’ and cease to be regarded as young boys in the town. The celebration continues with dancing, singing and eating together. Gifts are also given out to the celebrants, apparently to show the end of the Initiation. In the year 1998, the present Otaru of Auchi sacred kingdom Alhaji Aliu Momoh, Ikelebe (111) abolished the crossing of the eldest woman legs, because it is unislamic.

    Initiation to manhood is to identify the male children who have become adult and eligible for marriage. It is still practised in Auchi sacred kingdom till date.

    • Kabir is of Antiquity Department, National Museum, Lagos.

  • Waje to hold first solo concert

    Singer Aituaje Iruobe who is more known as Waje is excited about her upcoming concert tagged ‘The Red Velvet Experience’ schedule for September 1, 2019, at the Muson Center, Onikan, Lagos.

    The show is her very first own show and Waje said: “For so long, I’ve desired my own show. I’ve honoured so many stages but hungered for a stage that was designed for me, tailored for me.

    “Now it’s here. I’m here to serve you with the best dish #redvelvetconcert

    “Fit for a KING and QUEEN. It’s time baby.”

    Waje who was born in Akure, Ondo State, grew up in Benin City, Edo State.

    Her debut album, the eponymously titled W.A.J.E was released on May 1, 2013 via a live Google+ hangout with fans joining in from around the world, trending globally at no 4 on Twitter. In 2015, she was named one of the top 10 female artistes in Africa by Channel O.

    Waje’s hits include the critically acclaimed sleeper hit ‘I Wish’, Onye ft Tiwa Savage and Coco Baby ft Diamond Platnumz which was Nigeria’s most played song in December 2014. Waje’s recent reggae song’Left For Good’ ft Patoranking debuted at No 3 in Nigeria’s Itunes charts Waje has also collaborated with some of Africa’s biggest acts, churning out smash hit singles like, ONE NAIRA with M.I and DO ME with P Square.

  • Protest in Edo over non-inauguration of Assembly

    There was protest on Wednesday in Benin City, Edo State, over the non-inauguration of the seventh House of Assembly.

    The lawmakers-elect, who are all members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), are waiting for a proclamation letter from Governor Godwin Obaseki.

    It was learnt that the unresolved issues over the leadership of the seventh Assembly was responsible for the non-inauguration of the House.

    The protesters, led by One Love Foundation, asked Governor Obaseki to settle whatever political differences he had with the APC and proclaim the seventh Assembly.

    The Founder, Patrick Eholor, said: “We are gathered here today for a peaceful protest to remind the governor that the people deserve better. This is our seventh assembly, and we are hoping that as at now, the governor would have transmitted proclamation letter to the Clerk so that they can carry out the duty and functions in a democracy.

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    “So, if members of the Edo APC have issues with themselves, they should come to a round table and settle it because they cannot use the people to settle their issues. We cannot continue to suffer this pain. It is very clear in the 1999 Constitution, section 105, sub-section 3. I am not a lawyer, but I read it very clearly that when election is conducted, and representatives duly elected, the governor has the right to transmit to the clerk of the House of Assembly so that the representatives can be sworn and begin acting for the people. “That is why we are here to appeal that they be sworn in immediately. The governor is a technocrat, he is very well read. We are appealing to his conscience that no matter what is going on with him, within the party or other parties; he should do the needful and respect the right of the people.”

    But Obaseki’s Special on Media and Strategy, Crusoe Osagie, said the governor, who was still in Abuja, could not be doing proclamation of the Assembly in Edo.

    He said as soon as the Governor is back from Abuja, he would proclaim the Assembly.

  • Day Police desecrated Benin tradition

    To some persons in Benin City and environs, the heavy downpour that fell last Wednesday was normal but to the Benin traditional institution, it was a bad omen. They linked the rainfall to the fact that the Chief Priest of Okhuaihe shrine, Osarodion Usuanlele, the Ohen N’ Ukoni Neyedo, was forced to step into Benin.

    Panic ensued in the police headquarters when Palace Chiefs sent by the Oba of Bénin, Oba Ewuare II briefed the Police Commissioner, Danmallam Abubakar, consequences of their action and in the event the unwelcome guest died in Bénin. Three big dogs were slaughtered as sacrifice before Usuanlele was released.

    The reason for the Ohen N’ Ukoni Neyedo for not entering Bénin, where the Oba of Bénin resides is an age long tradition that that started during the reign of Oba Ewaure II in 1440. The Okhuaihe shrine is located at Evbiekoi in Uhunwode local government area and as part of coronation rites of a new Oba, the Chief Priest would have a symbolic wrestle with the Crown Prince.

    After the wrestle, both of them would go opposite ways never to see each other again once the Crown Prince becomes the Oba. If the Ohen N’ Ukoni is sick, a doctor is sent to treat him at home whenever the Oba wants to pass through his vicinity, he would leave the community.

    Trouble started last week when some operatives of the anti-cultism unit stormed the Evbuekoi community based on a petition by one John Elvis (a.k.a. Atekha) who was an ex-official of the banned Community Development Association (CDA). It was learnt that the community has been at loggerheads over who is the administrative head. A faction in the community, especially former members of the, have refused to recognise the Ohen N’ Ukoni as the spiritual and administrative head of the community.

    Secretary of Evbiekoi community, Chief Paul Ajayi, said the policemen shot sporadically and insisted on taking Chief Priest Usunalele to Bénin City despite pleas that the man does not enter Bénin or he would die in the process.

    Read also: Police detain Benin chief priest

    He said: “On Monday, we saw two Sienna bus. They started shooting. Some policemen came out and said the Commissioner sent them to bring someone from the community. The Ohen N’ Ukoni told them more than 10 times that he does not go to Bénin. It was an abomination. Since the Ohen N’Ukoni came into existence in Evbuekoi, he has not gone to Bénin. He cannot see the Oba face to face. When we got to Bénin, we begin to see the signs of heavy rains and strong wind after one hour. We knew problems have started.

    “The Police went to the Palace and they said the thing need three hefty dogs as sacrifice before the Chief Priest will leave the police station. The boy who wrote the petition was arrested. The other people are still threatening. We want security to be beef up here because the disbanded CDA want to be active.

    “It is the Palace that will determine the process of cleansing. The Oba owns the Ohen N’ Ukoni. The Ohen N’ Ukoni cannot do anything. Once he is install as Ohen N’ Ukoni, he does not see the Oba again.”

    Palace sources said a list of items to buy has been given to the police hierarchy on to cleanse the land.

    The source listed the items to include 14 native cows, tortoise, sheep, goats, cocks as well as other items of sacrifice to appease ancestors of the kingdom.

    Sources at the police headquarters said the Commissioner has ordered policemen involved in the arrest of Ohen N’ Ukoni to be detained.

    Edo State Commissioner of Police Danmallam Abubakar said his men were overzealous to have disrespected the tradition and customs of the Benins for arresting Ohen N’ Ukoni.

    Abubakar said the matter has been resolved with Bénin Palace.

    “The matter has been resolved. Traditionally the man was not supposed to come to Bénin. I quarrelled with my men for the action. The best thing to do was to carry him to the nearest police station. My men were overzealous. It is a good thing to respect people’s tradition. It was indigenous people that were supposed to know the true things that carried out the operation even those that reported.

    “It was a deliberate act to cause confusion. They should respect people’s tradition.”

  • Don’t cause flood in our houses, residents warn construction firm

    Residents of 10 communities located along Saint Saviour road in Benin City, Edo state have warned the firm constructing the road, NSIK Engineering not to cause flood to their houses.

    The residents said they were raising the alarm of the sub-standard road project being executed by the firm and lack of proper drainage to channel flood water to the Ikpoba River.

    Governor Obaseki had in October last year awarded the contract for the construction of the 15km St Saviour road project at a cost of N3. 55bn and the road is expected to be completed in 30 months.

    The bad condition of the St Saviour road destroyed economic activities of the various communities as there are little or no vehicular movement on the road especially during the rainy season.

    Those who spoke said they were surprised that the firm did not make provision for where the flood water would be discharged to.

    Speaking to newsmen in Bénin City, Pa Edward Osayi, said the drainage being constructed was too narrow to carry the huge volume of water.

    He said they were crying out because their house would be affected if the state certify the job as completed.

    General Manager of the firm, Kingsley Ediafioghor, said the construction was not of low standard but according to job specification given to them.

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    Kingsley said a layman would not understand what they are currently doing on the road and added that the drainage size is what is in the design.

    He said the job was being delayed because of the discharge point that was not provided in the design by the consultant.

    His words, “The drainage size is what is in the design. It is what they asked us to do. It was even lesser than that. After negotiations and argument, we have to increase it. We wanted to widen it but they said they want to cut cost and it is what they can afford. It can take the volume of water.

    “If they respond to us fast and give us what we need, we will deliver on time. The discharge point was not in our bill and we cannot do what we were not paid for.

    “We are contractors. We have consultant and client (EDSOGPADEC). We made a proposal to the consultant on the need to provide a discharge point. We told them they designed the road without making provision for discharge point. They presented the proposal to the client, we are waiting for them.

    “If they told us to go ahead we will start it. We are waiting for their authorisation. The constraints on the road is discharge point. The work is moving slowly. If we have a discharge point, that is where we will start from. We can’t wait for them anymore because the communities cannot wait any longer. They want to see the road constructed. We need to do something for the people to see.”

    Chairman of the Edo State Oil and Gas Producing Areas Development Commission (EDSOGPADEC), Pastor Osifo Kennedy, said the people should be happy with Governor Obaseki for constructing the road.

    He said engineers were already working to resolve the issue and debunked allegations by the firm that non-provision of access point was causing delay in the project.

     

  • I was accosted by a community leader, raped behind fish pond, Teenager tells court

    A teenager (names withheld) has told an Edo State Family Court sitting in Bénin City how she was raped by a community leader identified as Goddey Jatto, aged 34.

    The minor was said to have been allegedly defiled by Goddey who is the Odionwere of Jatto Street in Oregbeni Quarters.

    Speaking while being led in evidence by Police Prosecutor, Inspector Thomas Ojo, the victim said she was accosted, taken to a bush behind a fish-pond in the area and defiled by Jatto on January 22, 2019.

    “While I was waiting for my mother at the shop, I decided to go to a neighbour to help me call my mother on phone. Before I could get to the neighbour’s house, I changed my mind and turned back because I did not want to upset my mother. As I was returning to the shop, Jatto called me to help him take a book to his wife and I refused because I do not want my mother to get to the shop and not meet me there.

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    “He insisted and as I walked close to him, he held my hand, closed my mouth with his other hand and dragged me to the back of his house by the fish-pond.

    “He removed my pant, brought out his baby (penis) and forced it inside my baby (virginal). It was so painful and when he finished, he gave me N200 and turned my back, trying to do the same thing again. I bend-down, picked my pant from the floor and ran,” she said.

    The child (victim) told the court that immediately she ran back to the shop, she met her mother and narrated her ordeal. “My mother cried, fell and couldn’t move. She informed the Police; they took us to the police station the next day,” she said.

    Mother of the victim said the defendant was initially released at Oregbeni Police Station and was under pressure for amicable settlement but she refused.

    She claimed that she was contacted by officials of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development and was assured that justice would prevail on the matter

    Presiding Magistrate, Mrs. D.I Adamaigbo, who refused bail application for the suspect adjourned the case to May 2, 2019, for accelerated hearing.