By Iduozee Paul, Benin
HRM Oba Ewuare 11, Omo’N Oba N’Edo Ukukpolokpolo has cautioned media practitioners in the state to always cross-check and balance reports from the palace before publishing.
The Oba who, spoke through one of his chiefs, Chief Okhimwen Eribo in Bini language gave the advice at a media parley when he hosted journalists and other media practitioners in the state.
Interpreting what the chief said in English language, the Benin Traditional Council, (BTC) spokesman, Frank Irabor said the Oba could not come out to attend to the media because the monarch had vital issues at hand. The monarch said before Igue festival ceremony, he will call the media for another parley and urged them to always come on time when invited by the Oba. He urged the media to always consult the palace when reporting on palace stories and thanked them for the cordial relationship with the palace since he ascended the throne.
Assuring the Oba that the media will always come to the palace, the Edo State NUJ chairman, Comrade Roland Osakwe promised that journalists will comply with the Oba’s advice as a father to the media in the state.. He thanked the Oba for the kind gestures extended to the media and the peace he had brought to the entire Benin Kingdom. Osakwe presented kola nuts and drinks to the chief to pass on to the Oba, to pray and bless the media because of the nature of the profession, particularly in the ‘ember period.
