Enigie’s revolt: Oba of Benin hails Obaseki for defending Edo heritage

To protect the legacy of the Benin Kingdom, His Majesty, Oba Ewuare II, CFR, has praised the Governor of Edo State, Mr Godwin Obaseki, for rejecting what he saw as unfair criticism from the Enigie (Benin Dukes).

This follows the Oba’s suspension of Prof. Gregory Akenzua, the Enogie of Evbuobanosa Dukedom in Orhionmwon Local Government Area, and Edomwonyi Iduozee Ogiegbaen, the Enogie of Egbaen-Siluko, for allegedly plotting to overthrow the kingdom of Benin.

As Oba Ewuare II honoured Mrs Pauline Igbanor, the departing Zonal Director of the NTA’s Benin Network Centre, she was accompanied by a management team from the NTA.

The traditional leader guaranteed that the State administration would not give in to the petition supported by dissatisfied Dukes in November of 2022.

The goal of the petition was to establish seven identical Benin Traditional Councils (BTC) in the seven LGAs that make up the Benin Kingdom.

As the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II expressed gratitude to Governor Godwin Obaseki for refusing to grant the royal family’s request.

“He (Obaseki) shouldn’t since, following the British involvement, all that’s left of the Benin empire is the Edo South – Benin Kingdom, which formerly included most of Nigeria, Ghana, and Dahomey.

He remarked, “We are truly gratified by those of them (loyal Dukes) who, having realized the dark intentions, separated themselves from the evildoers among them.

The king appealed to his subjects, urging them to unite in defence of Benin’s rich cultural heritage—a source of national pride.

Thus, he said, “his Palace must be protected against any and all types of hostility, even assaults by rebellious Dukes.”

Oba Ewuare II, who stated that being a Benin Duke is not a political appointment, but, a cultural assignment, cautioned that the Benin throne would not tolerate a situation where the same structure that was created by Oba Palace would be used to rubbish Benin culture and tradition through schemes or scams.

We will not allow what we have built from the Palace (Enigie) construction to bring shame on our history and customs. We have no doubt that the current administration will not put up with it. Please don’t let us make anything that will destroy us.

Enogie is not a political appointment. It is a cultural assignment,” Oba Ewuare II said.

Recalling some of his exploits after he ascended the throne in 2016, the Oba said, “The Benin culture is for all of us. The portrait of Queen Idia N’ Iyesigie (Oba Esigie’s mother) is in Nigeria’s new international passport. Benin culture represents Nigeria; Benin culture is the cultural icon of Nigeria,” according to the Oba.

Addressing the Benin throne earlier, the outgoing Zonal Director, Benin Network Centre, Mrs Pauline Igbanor, who solicited prayers from the Benin throne, highlighted her achievements in service and paid tribute to the Oba for supporting her assignment in the Zone.