By Ken Afor
The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has taken action against six palace functionaries for falsely presenting themselves as emissaries of the palace during an event with the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (Ọjájá II).
This was disclosed in a statement released by Chief Sam Igbe, the Iyase of Benin kingdom, in Benin City, on Saturday.
According to the statement, the suspended individuals include Johnbull Igbinosun and S.E. Aigbiremwen, who hold the positions of Iduhonre (Ihogbe) and Efesieoghoba (Ogbelaka) respectively.”
Chief Igbe, speaking on behalf of the Benin Traditional Council (BTC), also mentioned Ogbeide Osagie and Osamudiame Edo as among the suspended functionaries.
He cited their suspension due to their involvement in what was described as a sacrilegious display of falsehood against Benin customs.
Igbe emphasized that these individuals not only falsely claimed allegiance to the Ooni but also provided an inaccurate and disjointed narrative regarding the historical connection between the Benin Royal Dynasty and the Ooni of Ife.
Igbe clarified that evidence of the misconduct by the suspended functionaries was captured in circulating video clips on social media platforms.
He stressed that the palace viewed their actions as inappropriate, sacrilegious, and aimed at undermining traditional history, thus tarnishing the reputation of Benin customs.
He, therefore, Igbe cautioned the public against engaging with these individuals in any traditional capacity within the Benin kingdom. He also urged the public to dismiss any false narratives provided by the aforementioned individuals.
The statement read: “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.
“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 Il, 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 [sic] is advised to refrain from having anything to do with them as traditional functionaries in Benin Kingdom throughout their suspension.”
The Oba of Benin ascended to the throne of his forefathers on October 20, 2016. He is the 40th Oba of Benin.
