The Benin Monarch, Oba Ewuare II has warned against illegal extortion under the guise of palace authorisation.
The monarch in a statement issued on Saturday in Benin by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Desmond Agbama, alleged that some groups were extorting using the name of the palace.
He said that a group, Association of Sand Quarry Owners, was hiding under the guise of paying a royalty to the palace to increase prices of various categories of sand in the state.
The oba said that any group bent on inflicting hardship on the public, using the palace authority as a cover would be dealt with accordingly.
He frowned at the unwholesome development, adding that the palace authority does not authorise anybody or group to collect any form of tax, levy or royalty on its behalf.
Oba Ewuare II reiterated the determination of the palace authority to ensure the economic and general well-being of the people.
The Oba warned that those engaged in sharp practices should desist from that or face the full consequences.
(NAN)
