The decision of Oba Ewuare II, the Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, to suspend 71 Enigie (Dukes) in the Benin Kingdom has been recognized by the Edo State Government, overturning five executive orders issued by former Governor Godwin Obaseki.
Following the state Executive Council (exco) meeting at Government House in Benin, Commissioner for Information and Communications Paul Ohonbamu made the announcement.
He said the exco approved the ratification of the suspension of the Enigie (Dukes), a move intended to maintain discipline and order in the state’s traditional institution. He claimed that when the Enigie (Dukes) tried to depose the Oba of Benin, their activities amounted to a cultural coup d’état.
Given the acceptance and recognition of the suspended rebellious Enigie (Dukes) against the first-class monarch, Ohonbamu claimed that this action was a major step forward.
The 71 Enigie (Dukes) in the Benin Kingdom were suspended by the Benin Traditional Council (BTC) on charges of anti-palace and rebellious behavior against the Oba of Benin.
Using five executive orders at his disposal—five of which Governor Monday Okpebholo had revoked—the former Obaseki government sought to implement the balkanization of Benin Kingdom, according to the Commissioner for Information and Communications.
He said that the crime was planned by the previous government, when Obaseki allegedly selected several Enigie (Dukes) to revolt against the Oba of Benin’s palace.
Ohonbamu highlighted a few crucial points, such as the Enigie (Dukes) pledging never to answer the Oba of Benin’s summons, visit the palace, or show loyalty to the most powerful traditional leader. He explained how the Benin monarch serves as a storehouse of the kingdom’s rights, laws, and power.
The Benin kingdom is made up of seven local governments in the Edo South Senatorial District: Oredo, Ikpoba-Okha, Egor, Ovia Northeast, Ovia Southwest, Orhionmwon, and Uhunmwonde.
The commissioner emphasized that the Oba of Benin was a source of legitimacy for all Beninians, regardless of their position, and that in addition to his greatness, “he does not make mistakes or apologize.”
