Group Warns Obaseki To Stop Fighting Benin Monarch On Traditional Issues

A group, the Coalition of Benin Social Cultural Organization, has warned the Edo State government to stay away from things that have to do with the Oba palace for supporting the enemy of the Benin Kingdom in fighting the Oba of Benin.
The body, who made the warning at a World Press Conference with the topic:” Sovereignty of the Benin Throne,” Benin city, Edo state, alleged that, there is a growing concern of calculated efforts by the Edo State government to help the Criminal activities of the Ogiamiens.
Commenting on behalf of the Coalition, the President of the group, Imasuen Amowie Izoduwa, said the refusal of the state government to state it clearly that, the Ogiamien title is only recognizable by the Oba of Benin, is commendable.
He said, “As a chieftaincy title under the “Royal leadership Benin traditional council, as stated in the 1979 Gazette to Traditional rulers and Chiefs Edict, these misguided Ogiamien bandwagons have continually falsely made claims under Decree No: 37 of 1968 Chieftaincy order.
“That Ogiamien is recognized as a traditional ruler. A closer look at the said decree stated otherwise, and rather referred to Ogiamien as a chieftaincy title, thereby, invalidating their claims. We read a letter of one Arisco Osemwengie, dated 4th, of April 2022, to the Attorney General and commissioner of Justice of Edo State
“Where forth he referred to himself, as both Chief Ogiamien of Benin Kingdom and Utantan, and the stated letter surreptitiously did not agree that, Ogiamien is a Chieftaincy title. As only recognizable by the Benin traditional council, instead of alluding to his Independence from the Benin traditional council.
“We are amazed that with this clear show of arrogance and falsehood exhibited by Arisco Osemwengie, the Attorney General if Edo State conceded to his deception through a letter dated, 13th of April, 2022,” the body posited.
They added, “Arisco Osemwengie was addressed as a chief . We want to ask under which law was Osemwengie made or recognized, as we are very much aware that Osarobo Ogiamien is still the Ogiamien of Benin Kingdom, recognized by the Benin Traditional Council.”
Speaking after the world press conference, a member a the coalition , Lefist Osaze Egidin, expressed dismay about the non chanlant attitude exhibited by the Edo state government led by governor Godwin Obaseki for aiding the enemy of the Oba of Benin, Arisco Osemwengie to fight Benin monarch.
Lefist Osaze Egidin explained that in Benin Kingdom, that the entire Benin Kingdom, including those ones living abroad only recognized and serve one Oba, known as the Benin monarch.
Lefist Egidin cautioned Governor Obaseki to retrace his steps and face and focus on governance.
Egidin said, “We moblize in our number to ensure nobody, individual, or any authorities reduces the Benin Kingdom. The Benins are warriors, we are not afraid of any battle.”
“I want to use this opportunity to sound a very strong warning to group, association or authority that thinks they can take the image and reputation of the palace for granted.
“We are all ready to fight and defend our Great Benin Kingdom. This is to ensure that our long ago heritage which is in the palace is protected.
Contributing in exclusive interviews, some members of the coalition that spoke were; Dr. Nosakhare Kola. He warned governor Obaseki to have a rethink and withdraw from the issue. He said any attempt for the state government to continue with the case that Edo people will resist him.
Dr. Nosakhare Kola, who is also a journalist, said that as an historian, it is only the Oba of Benin that determines who he gives a title to, and he also has the right to abolish the title.
Also, Comrade Iyamu Culture advised the state government to withdraw from the issue, adding that any attempt by the government to do so would result in total chaos and anarchy.