BENIN PALACE SUSPENDS SIX CHIEFS FOR VISITING ILE IFẸ
The letter reads:
BENIN TRADITIONAL COUNCIL OBA PALACE, BENIN CITY
BTC A40/VOL LVVV 168
PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT
26 April, 2024
SACRILEGIOUS CONDUCT AGAINST BENIN CUSTOM BY A GROUP OF SELF-SERVING TRADITIONAL FUNCTIONARIES
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 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 “1 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 II, 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.
Issued in Benin City this 26th day of Cepril On behalf of the Benin Traditional Council (BTC) by μάλ 2024
Chief Sam Igbe Iyase of Benin Kingdom
End of the letter.
We therefore call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to wage into this issue and not let the chiefs suffer for speaking the truth. Security should also be provided for them to prevent being mobbed by irrate, impulsive youth who have been hoodwinked by lies of the revisionists.
We are also drawing the attention of the ọba of Benin to this vainglorious journey he started recently that this is not good for his reputation. He should be careful of all the young inexperienced kid scholars around him, advising him to desecrate ancient tradition and stool in the name of ego, vanity, pride and arrogance.
You cannot be wiser that 7 of your chiefs among whom were Professor who have studied history and came to logical conclusion presented by evidence before they made their choice.
The Ọọ̀ni of Ifẹ̀, Ọba Enitan Ogunwusi should also wade into this as father to us all. Extend olive branch to Benin palace on behalf of the suspended chiefs in the spirit of unity.
You have remained silent in the face of provocative outburst from being palace. Even when the ọba of Bini came to Lagos and mention your name in an issue that clearly needn’t your name being mentioned, you played maturity and remain resolute. We are therefore saying you should continue in this way and never dignify them with responce. Rather, call the ọba to order and settle the rift between him and his chiefs.
Ire ó.
CC: Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja 11: The Royal Friends. l
Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi
Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi
Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi
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