The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has been advised to prevent further escalation of the raging crisis in Benin Kingdom caused by the suspension of the Enogie of Ehor and others.
The eminent monarch was further charged to lift the suspension on the Enogie of Ehor and other Enigies by the Benin Traditional Council (TRC).
The appeal was made by a prominent cleric and Presiding Bishop of Macedonia Call Global Assembly, Dr. Osaren Enokpae.
The clergyman pleaded with the Benin monarch to in the interest of peace and stability of the kingdom lift the suspension on the Enogie of Ehor as well as other Enigies.
His plea came as the people of Igbanke community in Orhionmwon local government area of Edo South rejected the TRC’s directive that their traditional ruler hand over to the Odionwere of the community.
The community said its Ndi-Ezes were not appointed by the Oba of Benin, adding that “our Kings are born and inherited kingship from our fathers. We reject handover kings.”
In a press statement made available to journalists, Dr Emokpae, who is a descendant of Ohor in Benin Kingdom, urged the Oba of Benin to lift the suspension of the Enogie of Ehor and other Enigies to avoid precipitating the total collapse of the Benin Kingdom.
The cleric in a recent message recalled that the Igbankes are already calling the bluff of the Benin monarch whole others are preparing to do so.
He said, “It is in the enlightened self-interest of the Oba of Benin to immediately reverse his current path.”
Citing biblical scriptures, the cleric said ‘it is the omnipotent God that appoints kings and removes them. He gives wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding.
”The Oba Ewuare 11 of Benin who is my cousin is so loved by our family and our desire is that the little left of Benin Kingdom would not collapse in his time,” the bishop said.
Emokpae further counselled leaders to be wise, remember that life is like a vapour that can vanish any time, stressing that they should in the short time they live on earth do everything to be remembered as instruments for good rather than that of evil and wickedness.
He prayed to God to grant Oba Ewuare II guidance, good health and wisdom at a time like this.
on their part, the people of Igbanke in an open letter to the Benon monarch though Igbanke Strategic Group and signed by Chief Jude Ugbekile and nine others, they said four of their traditional rulers had received unsettling letters from envoys representing the Oba of Benin.
The group said in envoys’ letters, the Oba of Benin reportedly ordered the incumbent traditional ruler to relinquish his office and hand over to the appointed successor, the Odionwere.
Penultimate week, the Oba’s palace announced the suspension of 67 Enigies from across the Benin Kingdom.
But the Igbanke community asserted that the Oba’s decision was not only an “affront” to their identity but also a blatant attempt to “desecrate” their rich cultural heritage.
.They said the process for kingship succession within Igbanke is based on a patrilineal inheritance (father to son) rather that the appointment system of the Oba of Benon.
The group urged Governor Monday Okpebholo to intervene in the matter, emphasising the importance of ensuring justice by the four pillars of the UN Charter on human rights.
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