Oba Ewuare II, the Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo of Benin, praised Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki for rejecting a proposal to create parallel Benin Traditional Councils across the kingdom’s seven local government areas. The monarch made these remarks when he received the management team of the Nigerian Television Authority, led by outgoing Zonal Director of the Benin Network Centre, Mrs. Pauline Igbanor, at his palace, where he honoured her on Tuesday.
Oba Ewuare II assured citizens that the state government would not accede to the petition filed in November 2022 by disgruntled dukes seeking the establishment of these parallel councils. “We thank Governor Obaseki for not giving them a hearing and hope he will not grant their request,” the Oba said. He warned that granting the request would undermine the legacy of the Benin Empire, which, before British intervention, extended from Edo South (Benin Kingdom) to Lagos, Ghana, Dahomey, and other parts of Africa.
The monarch expressed gratitude to the loyal dukes who recognized the “sinister motives” of their colleagues and dissociated themselves from the scheme. He called on loyalists to rally in defense of Benin culture and tradition, emphasizing that these heritage elements belong to all Nigerians and should remain a source of pride. According to the Oba, the role of a Benin duke is a cultural assignment, not a political appointment, and the palace will not tolerate any structure that seeks to undermine Benin culture through “unnecessary scheming.”
In his earlier address, Mrs. Igbanor solicited prayers from the throne, highlighted her achievements in service, and paid tribute to the Oba for supporting her work in the zone.
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