The Nation Newspaper

Tag: BINI

  • Ijaw-Apoi decry alleged Bini neglect

    Concerned residents of Ijaw-Apoi land in Ese-Odo Local Government Area of Ondo State at the weekend said the current feud between the Bini and Okomu-Apoi Kingdom in Edo State is unfounded.

    At an emergency media briefing at Sabomi town, the Barate of Igbobini, High Chief Femi Iji, who spoke on behalf of Ijaw-Apoi Traditional Council and other indigenes, regretted that the crisis was not on age-long marginalisation of the Ijaw in Edo State alone but a “brazen denial” of their rights to rule themselves.

    This, he said, was on the basis of “unfounded” history by the Bini, who he said subjected the Ijaw in Edo State to the traditional authority of the Oba of Benin.

    Iji, who is a former Chairman of Ilaje/Ese-Odo Local Government Area, said records showed the “autochthonous” status of Okomu Kingdom as an integral part of Ijaw-Apoi and aboriginal riverine Ijaw ethnic nationality.

    He said: “The Okomu-Apoi, now in Ondo State, are part of autochthonous territory of the Apoi, whose origin predated human memory and recorded history.

    “The Apoi, from which most Ijaw clans took root, were the aboriginal occupiers and owners of a case territory spreading from the ancient Apoi creeks of Southern Ijaw in Bayelsa State and westwards through Delta State, Edo State to Ese-Odo Local Government Area of Ondo State.

    “From ancient times, the Ijaw-Apoi nation is politically organised in a confederation of nine principal kingdoms with the Kalasuwe of Ijaw-Apoi, now in Ese-Odo Local Government Area of Ondo State as the revered paramount ruler.”

    Iji listed the nine principal ancient kingdoms as Okomu, Kiribo/Ipoke, Igbekebo, Igbotu, Inikorogha, Oboro, Sabomi and Igbobini.

    The former council chairman expressed solidarity with indigenes of Okomu-Apoi Kingdom and other Ijaw clans in Edo State in their inalienable political, administrative and traditional independence.

    According to him, Okomu-Apoi will never be a subordinate to any other traditional authority, including the Bini Kingdom and its monarchy.

    The chief urged the Edo State government to accord Okomu Apoi’s monarch its due recognition as a first traditional ruler, as applicable among the Bini, the Ishan, the Afenmai, the Agbor and other ethnic groups in the state.

    The aggrieved Ijaw-Apoi clans urged the Federal Government to intervene in the looming crisis between the Ijaw and the Bini.

    They urged to Edo State government to do justice on the matter in the interest of peace.

  • Pupils get scholarship for reading Bini language

    Bini Monarch, Oba Ewuare II has awarded scholarship to three pupils of Osaretin Primary School, Egboko village for reciting an ancient story in Bini language.

    The three beneficiaries are Osakpamwan Osagumwenro, Osukhon Gift and Agobo Aisosa.

    Oba Ewuare II, who has expressed his determination and commitment to revive the Bini culture, tradition and use of Bini language, said the performance of the pupils gladdened his heart.

    He awarded the scholarship  in Ugo-Niyeke-Orhiowmon in Orhionwmon Local Government Area as part of his royal visits to communities in his kingdom.

    The Bini monarch said the scholarship for the three pupils would cover their education up to university education

    Oba Ewuare II told the people to speak Bini language at various gathering as well as ensure their children learn it in school.

    He urged parents to begin early education of their children in Bini traditional languages so as to preserve the cultural heritage of the Bini nation

    Traditional rulers in the locality urged the Oba to wade into boundary dispute with communities in Delta State, as well as stop the indiscriminate and unauthorised falling of timbers by some persons claiming to be working with the state government.

    The community leaders also requested the monarch to intervene in the activities of the foreign nationals in the area to intensify corporate social responsibilities in the areas.

     

  • British invasion: ‘The Bini rejected Obaseki’s advice’

    A governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, has said the Bini indigenes of the state suffered humiliation in the hands of British colonialists in 1887 when they failed to listened to the advice of his grandfather, Chief Agho Obaseki.

    Obaseki recalled that when the British entered Benin Kingdom and attempted to do business with the Bini, his grandfather advised the then Oba of Benin, Oba Ovonranmwen Nogbaisi, to sign a treaty with the foreigners.

    He regretted that the Bini did not heed his advice.

    According to him, the result was Britain’s invasion of Benin Kingdom and the looting of its treasure.

    Obaseki, who is also the chairman of the Edo State Economic Team, spoke yesterday in Benin, the state capital, when he hosted some of his relatives.

    The politician said he was ready to add economic value to Edo State.

    On why two Obasekis were seeking the governorship ticket of All Progressive Congress (APC) in this year’s governorship election, Obaseki said there was nothing wrong with the aspiration.

    He added: “The Obaseki family is the largest in Benin Kingdom; even more Obasekis can join the race for the party’s ticket.”

  • ‘Resist western influence on Bini culture’

    Life of Edo State Deputy Governor, Deaconess Endurance Odubu, has urged the Bini people to resist western influence on their culture.

    She said the culture was unique and worth preserving.

    Mrs Odubu spoke at the unveiling of the female version of the Bini traditional attire “Ewu Iwu Oghikhuo” which took place in Benin City.

    Deaconess Odubu, who was represented by Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Blessing Maigida, said the Bini traditional attire for women came at the right time when the youths seem to be losing grip of their cultural values and ethics.

    She noted with sadness that Benin moral values were fast being eroded by western culture and appreciated the designer of the traditional attire for Bini women, Dr. Helen Uhunmwanagho, for the initiative aimed at giving the rich cultural heritage of the land its pride of place.

    Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Tourism Mrs. Ainena Jemitola said the introduction of the traditional dress code for women would reduce the threat of extinction posed to African culture.

    The chairman of the occasion and Iyase of Benin Kingdom, Chief Sam Igbe noted that the Benin, traditional attire remains the pride of the Benins all over the world, and called for more unity among the Benins.

    President, Benin Cultural Heritage Centre (BCHC), Dr. Roland Ehigiamosoe said the traditional outfit for women is a derivation from body tattooing as practised in Benin Kingdom.

    The initiator and designer, Dr. Uhunmwangho, explained that the attire had been designed into blouses and robes, which can be worn at formal or informal settings.

    She said the new IWU dress Code was not introduced to do away with the notable Benin attire of wrapper and beads but to enhance what is already on ground.