The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Oba of Benin

  • Supremacy war: Oba of Benin suspends aides for pledging allegiance to Ooni

    Supremacy war: Oba of Benin suspends aides for pledging allegiance to Ooni

    The age-long superiority claims between Benin and Ile-Ife assumed a twist yesterday with the Benin Palace suspending some traditional functionaries for what it described as their “sacrilegious show of shame and falsehood against the Benin Custom.”

    The men had been recorded on video during a recent visit to the palace of the Ooni, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, declaring themselves subjects of the Ooni and appeared to suggest the superiority of the Ooni stool.

    This, however, did not go down well with the Benin Palace which accused the men of rendering “inaccurate and disjointed account of the connection between the Benin Royal Dynasty and the Ooni-ship of Ife.

    Suspended, according to a public announcement on behalf of the Benin Traditional Council (BTC) by the Iyase (Prime Minister) of Benin Kingdom, Chief Sam Igbe were Johnbull Igbinosun, Iduhonre (Ihogbe), S.E. Aigbiremwen, Efesieoghoba (Ogbelaka) and two other Ogbelaka functionaries identified as Ogbeide Osagie and Osamudiame Edo.

    Igbe said: “The attention of the Benin Traditional Council (BTC) has been drawn to video clips circulating on social media in which a group of self-serving traditional functionaries from Benin engaged themselves in a sacrilegious show of shame and falsehood against the Benin Custom.

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    “In the said clip, the individuals who have been identified as Johnbull Igbinosun, Iduhonre (Ihogbe), S.E. Aigbiremwen, Efesieoghoba (Ogbelaka) and two other Ogbelaka functionaries identified as Ogbeide Osagie and Osamudiame Edo were in the presence of the Ooni of Ife, falsely claiming to be emissaries of the Omo N’ObaN’ Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, His Royal Majesty Oba Ewuare II, Oba of Benin.

    “These individuals not only declared themselves subjects of the Ooni, but also rendered inaccurate and disjointed account of the connection between the Benin Royal Dynasty and the Ooni-ship of Ife.

    “While the BTC does not wish to be drawn to restating the well-known connection between the two thrones of the Oba of Benin and the Ooni of Ife, the general public is urged to disregard the inaccurate accounts rendered by the ill-bred individuals named above.

    “For the avoidance of any doubt whatsoever, the BTC advise the general public to avail themselves of the official account of the connection between the two ancient monarchies as contained in the authoritative book titled “I Remain, Sir, Your Obedient Servant” authored by His Royal Majesty, Oba Erediauwa, Oba of Benin (1979 — 2016), published by Spectrum Books/Safari Books, 2004 at pages 205-212.

    “The BTC considers the conduct of these functionaries as inappropriate, sacrilegious and calculated to ridicule traditional history, and to bring disrepute to Benin custom.

    “Consequently, on the authority of the Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, His Royal Majesty Oba Ewuare Il, Oba of Benin the Prescribed Authority over Benin Custom, the BTC hereby announce the suspension of the individuals mentioned above from their role as Benin traditional functionaries.

    “The general public is advised to refrain from having anything to do with them as traditional functionaries in Benin kingdom throughout their suspension.”

  • NOUN reschedules investiture of Oba of Benin to Saturday

    NOUN reschedules investiture of Oba of Benin to Saturday

    The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has rescheduled the investiture of the Oba of Benin, His Majesty Oba Ewuare II, as its new Chancellor to Saturday, April 13th.

    The Investiture ceremony had been scheduled to take place on Thursday April 11 as one of the special events in the institution’s 13th Convocation Ceremony.

    The Investiture of the monarch would hold on Saturday morning before the commencement of the convocation. 

    Read Also: Oba of Benin calls for patronage of made-in-Nigeria products

    A statement  by the Registrar of the University, Oladipo Ajayi, explained that the postponement became necessary because of the declaration of Thursday as public holiday by the Federal Government to celebrate Eid el-Fitr festival.

    “The Federal Government had earlier declared Tuesday and Wednesday this week as public holidays for the Muslim festival but the circumstance of the Ramadan moon-sighting has made the festival to be extended by a day,” the statement said. 

  • Oba of Benin calls for patronage of made-in-Nigeria products

    Oba of Benin calls for patronage of made-in-Nigeria products

    The Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, has called for patronage of made-in-Nigeria products.

    He also condemned the influx of fake imported goods, especially pharmaceutical products, into Nigeria by unpatriotic merchants.

    According to his Chief Press Secretary, Osaigbovo Iguobaro, the monarch disclosed this on Sunday, March 24, at his palace in Benin while responding to a call by the president of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Otunba Francis Meshioye, to champion advocacy for locally made products. 

    Emphasizing his role as the custodian of Nigerian culture and tradition, he highlighted the importance of boosting local content for sustainable economic growth.

    Oba of Benin assured that Nigerians would patronise made-in-Nigeria products, if they were competitive in quality and pricing.

    He urged relevant agencies of government to address fake drugs’ menace, and shatter stereotypes that made illicit deals to thrive, towards making Nigeria’s pharmaceutical markets to stand out, with the support of relevant regulatory agencies.

    Read Also: Oba of Benin assures Nigerians of better days ahead

    The foremost traditional ruler called for enduring intervention that would boost Nigerians’ confidence in local pharmaceutical industries and patronage by recognising opportunities.

    He tasked governments at all levels in Nigeria to put modalities in place and boost productivity, aimed at reducing high dependency on crude oil export revenue for economic survival.

    Oba of Benin said: “I do not know how you are going to deal with the problem of importation, exportation and so on and so forth. The Federal Government needs to do a lot of work.

    “It is good to do more advocacy to patronise made-in-Nigeria goods, but if the made-in-Nigeria goods are competitive in quality and pricing, I am sure that Nigerians will patronise them.”

    The president of the 53-year-old association, who was accompanied by some members of the executive, hailed the eminent monarch on his contributions to peaceful co-existence and progress of Nigeria.

  • Better days ahead, Oba of Benin assures Nigerians

    Better days ahead, Oba of Benin assures Nigerians

    The Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, has urged Nigerians not to be panic, saying that better days ahead.

    He spoke on Tuesday, March 12, in his palace at the universal week of prayers by the Benin Christian community, while he also read from the Bible, despite his practice of African religion.

    In an online statement by the first-class monarch’s Chief Press Secretary, Osaigbovo Iguobaro, the members of the royal family, Benin chiefs, palace functionaries and royal fans were excited when Oba of Benin read Psalm 23:1 (The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want).

    The eminent traditional ruler, in his goodwill message at the solemn assembly, hailed his prayer partners and subjects for their relentless support since he ascended the throne of his forebears, stressing that God’s time is the best.

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    He said: “We should not be afraid. All is well. Better days are ahead. May God Almighty continually protect all of you.”

    The chairman of the Benin Christian community, Apostle Godspower Ogbonmwan, had earlier commended the Oba of Benin for his interest in religious activities and devotion to the 2024 annual prayers, with the theme: “God is our refuge and strength.”

    The cleric, who was supported by Rev. Sunday Osadolor, and drew inspiration from Psalm 46:1-11, in his sermon, lamented the rising social vices in the world while admonishing the children of God to keep His commandants, for them to enjoy God’s benefits, and not to be tormented by plagues.

    The spiritual exercise, which was moderated by Rev. Olu Aibinuomo and Elder Agharese Odubor, also featured the singing of hymns, praise and worship by the Christ Apostolic Church of God Mission’s choir.

  • PHOTOS: Gov Sanwo-Olu hosts Oba Of Benin in Lagos

    PHOTOS: Gov Sanwo-Olu hosts Oba Of Benin in Lagos

    Lagos Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Sunday, welcomed the Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo Ewuare II, at the Lagos House in Marina.

  • Oba of Benin intervenes in Edo communal crisis

    Oba of Benin intervenes in Edo communal crisis

    The Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, has urged elders and youths of the Obaretin community in Ikpoba-Okha local government area of Edo state to respect the lawful decisions of the Odionwere (community head), Pa Igiebor Imuetinyan, and seek his view before carrying out any administrative function.

    The first-class monarch, spoke yesterday at the palace in Benin, through the Esere of Benin, Chief Stanley Obamwonyi, after listening to the various submissions of parties in a petition written by some elders of the community against Imuetinyan, who could not return to his community, due to the alleged siege to his maternal home in the past.

    The foremost traditional ruler noted that despite the health challenge of Imuetinyan, he remained the duly-appointed Odionwere of Obaretin, to administer the community on his behalf, without any interference by meddlesome interlopers.

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    He mandated the Ozukpogieva (second elderly man), Pa Igiebor Omokaro, and other elders (Edion) in the community to shun unlawful activities that could undermine peace in Obaretin, and accord the Odionwere what was due to him henceforth, despite his health challenge.

    Oba of Benin declared that if the palace’s directive was flouted, Omokaro and other elders of the community would be held accountable.

    The king also cautioned the elders of Obaretin not to allow youths of the community to ride roughshod on them, in decision-making.

  • Oba of Benin suspends Duke, appoints elder to act as village head

    Oba of Benin suspends Duke, appoints elder to act as village head

    The Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, has suspended the Enogie (Duke) of Uhogua village in Ovia Northeast Local Government of Edo State,  Osagumwenro Eki Eresoyen.

    The first-class monarch, yesterday in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary,  Osaigbovo Iguobaro, passed a vote of no confidence in Eresoyen, thereby shoving him aside, after reviewing allegations of misconduct and dereliction of duties against him.

    Read Also: Oba of Benin suspends Duke, appoints elders in Edo village

    The traditional ruler  directed Ozukpogieva (the second most elderly man) in the village, Omonuwa Moses, with the support of other elders, including Ohen-Ovia (priest), Festus Omorefe; the Ozukpogieha (third most elderly man), Isaac Osayande and the Ozukpogiene (fourth most elderly man), Samuel Imaruagheru; as well as the Okaighele of Uhogua, John Ohiegbomwan, to administer the village on his behalf, pending the appointment of Odionwere (village head), in due course.

    Oba of Benin also enjoined the village elders, who had sought his intervention to deliver them from the jaws of their oppressors, to make peace and be law-abiding in discharging their duties, for the development of the area, in line with Benin custom and tradition.

  • Oba of Benin suspends Duke, appoints elders in Edo village

    Oba of Benin suspends Duke, appoints elders in Edo village

    The Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, has suspended the Enogie (Duke) of Uhogua village in Ovia Northeast local government area of Edo state, Osagumwenro Eki Eresoyen.

    The first-class monarch, on Thursday, November 23, in a press statement by his chief press secretary, Osaigbovo Iguobaro, passed a vote of no confidence in Eresoyen, thereby shoving him aside after reviewing allegations of misconduct and dereliction of duties against him.

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    The eminent traditional ruler consequently directed Ozukpogieva (the second most elderly man) in the village, Omonuwa Moses, with the support of other elders, including Ohen-Ovia (priest), Festus Omorefe; the Ozukpogieha (third most elderly man), Isaac Osayande; and the Ozukpogiene (fourth most elderly man), Samuel Imaruagheru; as well as the Okaighele of Uhogua, John Ohiegbomwan, to administer the village on his behalf, pending the appointment of Odionwere (village head), in due course.

    Oba of Benin also enjoined the village elders, who had sought his intervention to deliver them from the jaws of their oppressors, to make peace and be law-abiding in discharging their duties, for the overall development of the area, in line with Benin customs and tradition.

  • President celebrates Oba of Benin at 70

    President celebrates Oba of Benin at 70

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has felicitated the Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo Ewuare II, as he marks his 70th birthday and seventh coronation anniversary.

    President Tinubu rejoiced with the Government and people of Edo State, the Royal Family, Benin Traditional Council, and most especially, the Benin people as their highly revered traditional ruler turns 70.

    The President’s good wishes for the revered royal father was contained in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, on Friday.

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    “You have served Nigeria in different capacities, especially as an ambassador of our great country. You are an ardent supporter of the nation’s war against human trafficking. Your steadfast collaboration with the Federal Government in ensuring that stolen artefacts are returned to the country is remarkable. Most importantly, Your Majesty’s words of advice for successive administrations stand you out as a lover of peace.

    “As the custodian of the cherished customs and traditions of the Benin Kingdom and its people, I enjoin you to continue to use your exalted position and divine endowments for the promotion of arts, culture, and the values that the Benin Kingdom and the Nigerian people hold as sacrosanct,” the President stated.

    President Bola Tinubu wished the Oba many more years of good health and fulfillment on the throne. 

  • Businessman laments deportation of business partners

    A United Kingdom-based businessman, Mr. Monday Ohuimuwen, has said that many of his business partners coming to Nigeria for genuine businesses have been deported because of what he termed misleading guidelines on the entry Visa on arrival programme posted on the Nigeria Immigration Portal.

    Monday said the Norwegians and British nationals he invited based on the information contained in the Nigeria Immigration Portal, regarding Entry Visa on Arrival Programme were deported on arrival at the Murtala Mohammed Airport, Lagos.

    Speaking to reporters in Bénin-City, Monday, who is engaged in distributive business said the Immigration authorities were supposed to allow in invited business partners who had followed the guidelines.

    Monday said they were deported under very flimsy excuses that they ought to have gotten approval in their home country before traveling to Nigeria.

    He said: “The said approval was not contained in the guidelines posted on the portal of the Nigeria Immigration Service.

    “Besides frustrating industrialists and their foreign partners, the activities of the immigration authorities is creating integrity problem for Nigerian businessman in Nigeria.

    “I want the authorities concerned to review the said guidelines and update same, so as not to continue to frustrate genuine businessmen and women who relied on the guidelines, only to be misled at the end of the day.”

    Monday commended Governor Godwin Obaseki and the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II for introducing and facilitating the Private Property Protection (PPP) headed by Solomon Arase in the state.