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Tag: Oba of Benin

  • Oba of Benin makes case for women in politics

    Oba of Benin makes case for women in politics

    The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has advocated the removal of the barriers that discourage Nigerian women from participating in politics.

    Ewuare made the call yesterday in Benin, when the governorship candidate of the People’s Redemption Party (PRP) for the Sept. 21 election in Edo, Patience Key, paid a courtesy call to his palace.

    The monarch women should no longer be relegated to the background, especially in governance due to their strength and population.

    The royal father commended the leadership of the PRP for ceding its ticket to a woman, despite the ‘patriarchal and patrilineal’ structure of human society, dominated by men. He said: “A female in our society that is patriarchal and patrilineal dominated, you came out amongst all the males to contest.

    “So, I commend the party, PRP, which deemed it fit to pick you as their flagbearer, recognising the strength of a woman in the scheme of things. I have always believed that women must be recognised as important, not to be suppressed to the background.”

    Read Also: Shaibu: Why Appeal Court dismissed Edo Assembly’s appeal

    Earlier in her address, the PRP flag bearer commended the Oba’s efforts that drastically reduced the menace of human trafficking in the ancient city and solicited prayer and blessings from the palace. She said: “I am running for the governorship because I see repression and retrogression in our great land. I am running for the governorship because I see hunger and anger. I have come to honour that call of governance.”

    Key promised to leverage her wealth of experience in the world of business if given the mandate. She said that Edo people did not deserve to live in penury if the tourism sector and agricultural resources were well harnessed for productivity

  • Oba of Benin urges aggrieved Nigerians to shelve planned protest

    Oba of Benin urges aggrieved Nigerians to shelve planned protest

    The Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, has called on the aggrieved Nigerians to shelve their planned protest for ten days, over nationwide hardship, to commence on August 1.

    The first-class monarch in a press statement by his chief press secretary, Osaigbovo Iguobaro, on Wednesday, July 24, pleaded with the displeased Nigerians to give the federal government enough time to implement its economic policies, which were expected to alleviate the present hardship being experienced by Nigerians.

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    The Oba of Benin stated that for things to get better, it had to be tough for a while urging the administration of President Bola Tinubu to intensify efforts in the implementation of its economic and security policies.

    The proposed protest was to kick against the nationwide hunger and hardship and to draw the state and federal government’s attention to the worsening plight of most Nigerians.

  • Ighodalo congratulates Oba of Benin over return of Royal artefacts

    Ighodalo congratulates Oba of Benin over return of Royal artefacts

    The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the September 21 governorship in Edo State, Dr Asue Ighodalo, has felicitated with Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, on the return of two royal artefacts from the United States of America on Monday. 

    In a statement by his media team on Tuesday in Benin City, Ighodalo in a letter he personally signed to His Royal Majesty, expressed joy that the prized artefacts have returned to “their rightful home in the Great Benin Kingdom,” and the Oba “as the rightful owner and custodian of the Benin artefacts.”

    Part of the letter reads: ” This momentous event signifies the restoration of yet another crucial piece of our cherished cultural heritage; and represents a significant milestone in the tireless efforts to reclaim our history and honour the legacy of our ancestors, whose unparalleled craftsmanship continues to inspire awe across the globe.

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    “My sincere hope and prayer is that these successful repatriations will encourage the return of all the looted artefacts to your Royal Majesty, as the rightful owner and custodian of the Benin artefacts.”

    Ighodalo further prayed that the reign of His Royal Majesty will “continue to be marked by such profound and joyous milestones.”

  • Edo elders condemn insults against Oba of Benin by Labour Party supporters

    Edo elders condemn insults against Oba of Benin by Labour Party supporters

    A coalition of civil society organizations in Edo state has strongly condemned the “unwarranted barrage of insults and abuses” being directed at the Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty Oba Ewuare II, by supporters of the Labour Party and its gubernatorial candidate, Olumide Akpata.

    The coalition, which operates under the umbrella of the Edo socio-cultural advancement and good governance initiative, expressed shock and disappointment at what it described as a “childish, unwarranted and unacceptable behaviour” of some Labour Party supporters across various social media platforms.

    In a press statement made available to journalists, the coalition’s spokesman, Comrade Melvin Irabor, said the Oba was not out of place in correcting Akpata’s claim to be the “son of the palace.”

    “Our Oba was not out of place in correcting the erroneous remarks and insinuations by the Labour Party candidate, Olumide Akpata, for claiming to be the ‘Son of the Palace”, Irabor said.

    The coalition noted that it was inundated with a “barrage of abuses” on the revered Oba of Benin by Akpata’s supporters on platforms such as Sahara Reporters, Nairaland Forum, Twitter, and Facebook.

    Irabor read out some of the “disappointing comments,” including one by a user named Richard Wilson, who described the Oba as a “useless ruler,” and another by Evang. 

    Paschal Chidiebere, who suggested that the Oba would have “warmly received” Akpata if he had brought “money full of ‘Ghana must go.’”

    Read Also: You are not a child of the Palace, Oba of Benin tells LP’s Akpata

    The coalition emphasised that the Oba of Benin, as the “mouthpiece of the gods and the revered royal father of the kingdom,” has a responsibility to stay apolitical and correct any candidate making “erroneous remarks and insinuations.”

    “Every candidate contesting in this election has the support and blessings of our Oba. He is the father of all and he wishes every one of them well,” Irabor stated.

    The coalition warned the Labour Party supporters to desist from hurling insults on the Oba, stating that such actions would be considered an “affront on the palace.” 

    It called on all political parties to conduct their campaigns in a “democratic manner and keep the campaign, issues-based.”

  • Suspended dukes ready to settle with Oba of Benin

    Suspended dukes ready to settle with Oba of Benin

    The suspended Enigie (Dukes) of the Benin Kingdom have declared their readiness to settle with the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II.

    They, however, said the resolution must be based on justice, which they said was why they challenged their suspension in court.

    At a news conference yesterday, the suspended dukes also denied allegations that they were being sponsored by the state government.

    According to them, some members of the royal family and lawyers to Oba Ewuare II were wrong in their positions, stressing that they explored all traditional means of ensuring peace, before they went to court.

    The palace, penultimate week, condemned the planned peace move initiated by Governor Godwin Obaseki

    Prof. Gregory Akenzua, who spoke for the dukes, said: “There is no other traditional process that we know that we have not gone through. We are in court to establish protection of our fundamental human rights. I want to also clarify the erroneous impression that has been created in the media that we are being used by some other people to challenge the palace, no.

    “The case that we instituted for our own protection is against the Oba of Benin and the state government because the government is also expected to protect our fundamental human rights.

    “We welcome the initiative of those who propose an amicable settlement of the dispute, and regret that comments by some Benin palace chiefs, members of Benin Royal Family and the Oba’s lawyers not only do not augur well for the prospect of peace, but go against the legacy of Oba Adolo of blessed memory, who was a champion of conciliation.

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    “We affirm that we stand for peace, founded on decorum, integrity and justice. We are upholders of the tradition of our ancestors, and all we wish to do is to continue to serve our people in humility.”

    Prof. Akenzua also said the suit instituted by him and Edonmwonyi Iduozee Ogiegbaen was to uphold their rights to fair hearing, which he maintained every citizen was entitled to.

    He said: “We do not think it is honourable or dignifying for those who claim to be supporters of the Oba of Benin to disrupt the sitting of the court, each time the case comes up.”

    The suspended dukes also said their calls for the establishment of traditional councils in the seven local government areas in Edo South included non-payment of their monthly entitlements, and the non-installation of enigie, even after undergoing all traditional requirements, among many others, which they said they were uncomfortable with.

  • Oba of Benin revisited

    Oba of Benin revisited

    On September 11, 2020, I wrote about the Oba of Benin, the one who sits, speaks and treads with a candour, the one who men cower in his presence, and women differ to his being, and children look at in awe and the one whom, when it is time to ascend the higher realm, all we hear is that “the leopard is ill in the Savannah Bush” and we dare not ask what that means.

    I wrote about this great monarch whose stool is not about who is on it, neither is it about the person’s age nor education or any other thing, but the stool itself. The stool, I noted then, is the most important and once you sit on it, you command the sort of authority the people have made sure we are yet to see in any other monarch in Nigeria. I noted that it is one stool in which the occupant is groomed from birth and availed the best of traditional and modern education.

    I had written about the stool at the time because the Oba of Benin summoned politicians and political godfathers in Edo State to his Palace and, like obedient servants, they all went with their hands tucked at their back. I was in awe because I couldn’t think of anyone else who could pull that off with the kind of ease the Oba of Benin did.

    Some of the men who obeyed Ewuare II’s summon had armed thugs, and the monarch was afraid they would later use their guns to rob and assassinate people; and were involved in acts that could make Edo State a laughing stock. The monarch had their ears and he minced no words with them on their ignoble roles in the run-up to the governorship election.

    The Oba gave it to them raw. He let it be known that all of them have disappointed him by directly or indirectly supporting violence. He told them to show respect to the traditional institution without lip service. He said he expected ex-Governor John Odigie-Oyegun to call both sides to a ceasefire, adding that he would hold him responsible if he failed to use his elder-statesmanship status to stop the violence in Edo State.

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    And to the one Ewuare used to call son but who betrayed his confidence, the monarch looked him straight in the face and declared: “I am not sure I will call (Phillip) Shaibu my son again, because of the way he (Shaibu) is going. Shaibu refused to honour his assurances to me. You do not say something to me and go against it. Shaibu, behave yourself. Calm down. I learnt you control thugs. Tell your boys to a ceasefire and drop their arms. Let your boys calm down. Must it be a do-or-die affair? Do not turn Benin into a city of thugs. Do not kill yourselves because of public office. Stop the shootings. I am very sad about what is happening in Edo State. This is the worst scenario. Let us eschew violence and give peace a chance.”

    And Shaibu had responded by saying “I will do as you have directed, by telling my boys to calm down.”

    The monarch shared interesting insights about how Godwin Obaseki became governor. One, some royal members of Obaseki’s family close to the palace were against the decision; two, he had pleaded with Adams Oshiomhole to propose but not impose a successor; three, he refused to give an opinion after Oshiomhole informed him of his choice; four, three weeks after telling the monarch Obaseki was his choice, Oshiomhole came back to the palace and wanted to know the monarch’s opinion but the Oba did not give any because Oshiomhole’s decision on Obaseki was not a proposal, but an imposition; five, Oshiomhole invited Africa’s richest man Alhaji Aliko Dangote to speak with the monarch on his choice of Obaseki. Dangote came and spoke with the Oba on Obaseki for over one hour, but the Oba kept quiet. Oshiomhole and Obaseki also visited him in Uselu, but he still kept quiet; and six, Dangote stood as a guarantor for Obaseki to be of good behaviour and that if Obaseki misbehaved, the monarch should contact him and still the Oba kept quiet.

    Obaseki, of course, became governor. What started as a smooth ride, turned to an unprecedented conflict. The Oba tried to intervene several times. He even went to President Muhammadu Buhari over the matter. He said both of them started avoiding him. Oshiomhole succeeded in frustrating Obaseki out of the All Progressives Congress (APC). He threw his weight behind Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, who he vilified in 2016 because of Obaseki.

    I’m revisiting the Oba because Obaseki is now on his way out and is at loggerheads with the Palace over returned stolen art works, including two coronation stools of two kings, Oba Eresoyen and Oba Esigie. Obaseki has not congratulated the Oba because he wants the returned items in a museum he set up after breaking away part of the iconic Central Hospital in Benin. The palace, on the other hand, wants the items at the Oba Akenzua II Cultural Centre. The governor also seems to be supporting Enigies who want to suffocate the monarch.

    My final take: The Oba of Benin will have the last laugh. In a matter of months, Obaseki’s political relevance will almost fizzle out; it is eroding already because every outgoing governor is as good as out. Moreso, the Oba of Benin stool isn’t ordinary. It is one stool whose mystic is impossible for mere mortals to understand, and it will remain so for a long time to come. And because of the grooming of its occupants, it will always be about the stool and not the age of its occupant or any other factor.

  • Okpebholo: don’t drag Oba of Benin in the market square

    Okpebholo: don’t drag Oba of Benin in the market square

    I’ll build diaspora office as governor

    Edo State governorship candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC) in September 21  poll,  Senator Monday Okpebholo, has said it is a sacrilege to drag   Oba of Benin into the market square and attempt to settle the matter secretly thereafter.

    Okpebholo, who spoke in United States while addressing Edo people in the diaspora, said he would establish a diaspora office to oversee interests and well-being of Edo residents.

     A statement by his Campaign Organisation’s Director of Media and Publicity, John Mayaki, said: “Oba Ewuare II, is our father, and we will consult him on every issue when I become governor,” Okpebholo said while reacting to a question on what he would do different about the oba when he becomes governor in contrast to Governor Godwin Obaseki.

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     “The Oba is father of all. You cannot drag him out into the market square and later pretend to want to settle with him in secret.

    ‘‘This is a sacrilege. When I become governor, I will do things differently and consult him on every issue concerning the people and state.”

    On Edo people in diaspora, the candidate said: “I don’t think the government has been fair to them. There is Diaspora Commission Establishment Bill of 2017 that has been passed into law by the Federal Government…’’

  • Looted ancestral stools returned by German government, presented to Oba of Benin

    Looted ancestral stools returned by German government, presented to Oba of Benin

    The Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, has taken custody of two looted royal stools from the German government.

    The artefacts: bronze and wooden royal stools (Ekete), made during the reign of Oba Eresoyen and Oba Esigie several centuries ago, were looted from Oba’s palace during the punitive expedition in 1897.

    The looted ancestral stools were handed over to the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), on behalf of the Nigerian government, by the German authorities in 2022.

    The Director-General of NCMM, Mr. Olugbile Holloway, made the presentation yesterday, on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria, at the palace of Oba of Benin in Benin, Edo State.

    Holloway pledged on behalf of NCMM, to work hand in hand with the Benin Royal Court in uplifting and displaying Edo heritage.

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    He revealed that as the Benin bronzes and other artworks were gradually making their way home (Nigeria), NCMM would join hands with the royal court to create a befitting destination for people around the world to come and appreciate the works.

    Director-general of NCMM said: “What you see before us were originally taken away from the royal family in 1897. We have a stool made of bronze and a wooden stool.

    “I speak for every member of my team, to say that we remain loyal to the royal court. And if there is anything we can do, we will do it, to support this laudable initiative.

    “This heritage is not just Benin heritage, but Nigeria’s heritage. When we speak of Benin heritage, there is nobody that does not know the great works of ours.

    “I appreciate you, we will always do what we can do with our powers to make His Royal Majesty lineage in memory.”

    The Oba of Benin, according to his Chief Press Secretary, Osaigbovo Iguobaro, after unveiling the repatriated artefacts, danced joyfully to Benin traditional rendition in a dramatic dance steps, with excited chiefs and members of the royal family, and offered prayers to Almighty God and his ancestors.

    The first-class monarch also appreciated the German government, the federal government of Nigeria, and the NCMM for their efforts.

    The foremost traditional ruler, in a rare, but historic move, sat on one of the royal stools (Ekete), personally presented a chunk of white, which symbolizes peace and blessings, to the director-general of NCMM.

    The Oba of Benin also prayed for Holloway and his team, including the Curator, National Museum, Benin, Mr. Mark Olaitan; and the Director, Legal Services, NCMM, Babatunde Adebiyi; while wishing them well, in the service of their fatherland.

  • Suspended Enigie’s suit against Oba of Benin admits BTC as co-defendant

    Suspended Enigie’s suit against Oba of Benin admits BTC as co-defendant

    •Edo govt absolves Obaseki of involvement

    The Edo State government yesterday distanced Governor Godwin Obaseki from the suit instituted by the suspended Enigie (Dukes) against the Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II.

    The Edo State High Court, presided over by Justice Peter Akhihiero, admitted the Benin Traditional Council (BTC) as a party in the suit instituted by two suspended Enigie of Evbuobanosa and Egbaen Siluko in Benin Kingdom, Prof. Gregory Akenzua and Chief Edomwonyi Ogiegbaen, on behalf of others, to challenge their suspension last year.

    Akenzua and Ogiegbaen, on behalf of others, claimed that it was only Obaseki, and not the monarch, who could suspend them for rebelling against the king.

    Benin Kingdom has seven local government areas in Edo South Senatorial District: Oredo, Ikpoba-Okha, Egor, Ovia Northeast, Ovia Southwest, Orhionmwon and Uhunmwonde, and Obaseki hails from Oredo Local Government Area.

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    The BTC oversees the affairs of the seven local government areas under the kingdom.

    But the governor attempted to create BTCs in each of the other local governments, thereby reducing the influence of the traditional ruler, who never supported Obaseki’s ambition to become governor in 2016.

    The Oba of Benin and most Benin indigenes frowned on the attempt to divide kingdom, leading to the suspension of the Enigie for accepting Obaseki’s BTC, and the Enigie headed to the court to seek redress.

    The door of Court 6 was yesterday shut against most lawyers, journalists and other citizens who arrived before the 9 a.m commencement of proceedings.

    Fully-armed policemen did not allow many interested parties in the suit to enter the court premises to show solidarity to the king.

    Accessing the court premises from the main gate on Sapele Road was also hectic, even by reporters displaying their identity cards.

    Ruling in a motion, Justice Akhihiero granted the Oba of Benin leave to include the BTC as the third defendant in the suit, while the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice remained the second defendants.

    The ruling was in response to an application filed by the first defendant’s lead counsel, Prof. Yemi Akinseye-George (SAN).

    The presiding judge directed the parties, especially the state government, which was represented by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Oluwole Osaze-Uzzi, to file relevant processes.

    Akenzua and Ogiegbaen, who were both represented by Dr. Osagie Obayuwana, objected to the motion, but the judge dismissed it.

    Justice Akhihiero said: “If they are bringing in BTC as a necessary party in the suit, I do not see it as a problem, since you have brought the Oba of Benin to court.

    “I cannot shut down any party. Let the BTC come in and file its processes.”

    The judge adjourned hearing till July 15.

    But in a statement yesterday, Obaseki’s Special Adviser on Media Projects, Crusoe Osagie, averred that the state government had no case in court against the Oba of Benin.

    The statement said: “In the matter being referenced by the purveyors of the fake news, the Edo State government is a defendant, which means the state government is being sued.

    “The Edo State government maintains a cordial relationship with the royal palace and holds the Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, Ogidigan, in high esteem.

    “The rumour is fabricated, fake and should be discountenanced in its entirety. It is election season again, and fifth columnists are at work.

    “The Edo State government is committed to sustaining a harmonious relationship with all stakeholders in the state, and will always work to ensure cordial relations with all the critical institutions in the society, as part of its mandate to maintain a stable environment for the growth and progress of the state.”

    Also, the Edo State All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship Campaign Organisation of Senator Monday Okpebholo/Dennis Idahosa has said the legal tussle with Oba Ewuare II is needless.

    In a statement by its media team, last night in Benin, the campaign organisation noted that efforts must be made to safeguard Benin Kingdom’s rich customs and heritage.

    It urged the parties “to consider alternative dispute resolution methods, recognising the imperative of preserving the esteemed legacy of the Benin Royal Kingdom, which has withstood centuries of adversity”.

  • Legal tussle with Oba of Benin needless, says Edo APC gov campaign organisation

    Legal tussle with Oba of Benin needless, says Edo APC gov campaign organisation

    The All Progressives Congress (APC’s) governorship campaign organisation of Senator Monday Okpebholo/Dennis Idahosa in Edo State has described as needless, the legal tussle with Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, at Edo State High Court 6, Benin.

    Okpebholo/Idahosa campaign organisation’s media team on Thursday, May 9, in Benin, stated that efforts must be made to safeguard the Benin kingdom’s rich customs and heritage.

    It said: “It is with deep concern over the needless legal tussle with His Royal Majesty, Omo Noba Nedo Ukuakpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, that this call for restraint from the enraged Edo populace has become necessary. The scenes that unfolded at the Benin High Court on Thursday, where some of the Oba’s Enigie (Dukes) are embroiled in a regrettable dispute, will tarnish our cultural heritage and bring shame to our values.

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    “We urge the claimants to consider alternative dispute resolution methods, recognising the imperative of preserving the esteemed legacy of the Benin Royal Kingdom, which has withstood centuries of adversity.

    “This plea clearly aligns with Senator Monday Okpebholo’s five-point agenda, championing the dignity of traditional rulers in Edo and advocating policies that afford them rightful prominence in governance, while safeguarding our rich customs and heritage.

    “In solidarity with our traditional leaders, we call upon every Edo citizen, from the southern plains to Edo central and the Kukuruku hills in the North, to unite and stand firm. Together, let us uphold the unity and integrity of Edo State, praying for divine protection and guidance in these challenging times.”

    The media team also urged the Edo electorate to prepare to massively vote for APC in the forthcoming governorship poll in the state, to ensure good governance, unity, and peace, and move Edo forward.