…As suspended Enigie plead for forgiveness
The Edo State Government has ratified the decision of the suspension of Benin 71 Enigie, thereby overriding five Executive orders issued by former Governor Godwin Obaseki.
The State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Hon. Paul Ohonbamu disclosed this to Journalists after the State Executive Council meeting at the Government House in Benin City.
He said that the state government is aimed at maintaining order and discipline in the state’s traditional institution.
According to Ohonbamu, the actions of the Enigie amounted to a ‘Cultural Coup D’état,’ when they attempted to overthrow the Oba of Benin.
This move, he said, marks a significant development, given the approval and ratification of the suspended rebellious Enigie against the Benin Monarch.
Recall that the Benin Traditional Council, BTC, had earlier announced the suspension of the 71 Enigies in Benin Kingdom alleging that they engaged in anti-palace and rebellious activities against the Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, Oba of Benin
He said that the past administration of Governor Godwin Obaseki attempted to carry out the balkanization of the Benin Kingdom, using five Executive Orders available to him, which has been vacated by Governor Monday Okpebholo, using one Executive Order.
He emphasized that the act was orchestrated by the last administration, when Godwin Obaseki allegedly picked some Enigie to act rebelliously against the palace of the Oba of Benin
The Commissioner highlighted some of the critical issues which include the vow made by the Enigie never to honour the Oba’s call, go to the palace, and also pay allegiance to the monarch.
Ohonbamu described the position of the Benin Monarch as a repository of the rights, divinity, law, and the power of the Benin Kingdom.
He further stressed that all Benin people, no matter how highly placed, derive validity from the Oba, adding that the Oba is not only powerful, but does not make mistakes, nor apologize.
“The Oba does not make mistakes and does not apologize and he is all powerful and his source of strength remains a riddle, wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma.
“The Oba’s word is law and even if you have a PhD. three times over, your obedience to the word or directive of the Oba is obligatory by assent.
“The act of rebellion is complete on its own without more and the rebellious Enigie ought to know better. Their situation is such that Jesus said, ‘It is finished.’
“We are aware that some said they signed in error and did not go further. But what they did amounted to a Cultural Coup d’état.
“They wanted to overthrow the Oba of Benin, no matter the defense they attempted to put forward,” he noted.
While condemning some of the suspended Enigie who attempted to exonerate their actions, Hon Ohonbamu admonished that the act of rebellion is complete on its own and for those who said they did not partake thereafter, the general rules governing a coup plot is that the planning of a coup, and its actual execution carry the same penalty.
He added that every action goes with consequences, making references to the traditional rulers and Chiefs edict of 1979, particularly section 19, subsection 1 as applicable to Edo State which gives power to the Executive Council to act accordingly.
“Former Governor Godwin Obaseki, through his actions, balkanized the Benin Kingdom by attempting to create other traditional councils through five Executive orders.
“But with one Executive order, Governor Monday Okpebholo has obliterated the five executive orders of Gov. Obaseki
The Commissioner further disclosed that the decisions made during the Exco meeting demonstrate the state government’s commitment to good governance, transparency, and accountability.
He said that the EXCO also approved the payment of furniture allowance and all entitlements to political and public office holders in the state, thereby ensuring that those in leadership positions receive the necessary support to carry out their duties effectively.
Barely barely 24 hours after the government ratified of the suspension placed on them by the Oba of Benin, the Enigie (Dukes) in Benin Kingdom who were suspended by the Oba of Benin on Wednesday appealed to the Oba to forgive them for all their sins against the Palace and the traditional institution.
Benin Kingdom is made up of the seven Benin speaking local government areas in Edo State .
The Enigie, in a statement read on their behalf by the Enogie of Ugo N’ Iyekikpoba, Ogiugo Victor Etinosa, said that the “Enigie wholeheartedly write to your Majesty to deny with great trepidation that we are innocent of all the allegation of misconduct against us.”
According to them, “Your Majesty Sir, it is often said that, it will be suicidal for one to wrestle with his personal God, which you represent in our individual lives.
“We are therefore appealing most passionately for your Majesty to have compassion and forgiveness for any or all our short comings.
“We wish to state here categorically that at no time did any of the Enigie subscribe to any oath not to pay allegiance to Omo N’ Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, CFR, Oba of Benin.
“We at no time swore to any oath not to visit the Palace of the Oba of Benin or answer to any summon or invitation by Your Royal Majesty. We neither swore to any other oath that we will not participate in any activity of his Royal Majesty and the Palace of the Oba of Benin, nor sworn to any oath not to pay traditional homage to the Oba of Benin.
“We humbly appeal to your Majesty to temper justice with mercy and forgive us all.
“We are prepared and willing to appear before your Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo on your invitation and we are willing and prepared to continue to perform our task and obligations to your Majesty and the Palace,” they added
