Benin Traditional Council (BTC) has called for a halt to a planned solidarity gathering by the Coalition of Social cultural Organizations over the arrest and detention of the Secretary, Benin Traditional Council Frank Irabor and some chiefs in Benin Kingdom.
The planned solidarity gathering had been slated for Monday September 5, 2022 at 7:am.
A statement released by the Chief Press Secretary to the Oba of Benin, Osaigbovo Iguobaro, said while the Palace appreciates their concern, it does not want such gathering at this time and consequently directs that the organizers of the gathering halt the exercise immediately as the issue in question that led to their arrest is being resolved.
Below is full text of the statement:
The attention of the Benin Traditional Council has been drawn to a planned solidarity gathering by the Coalition of Social cultural Organizations over the arrest and detention of the Secretary, Benin Traditional Council, Frank Irabor and some chiefs in Benin Kingdom.
While the Palace appreciates their concern, let it be known that, the Palace of the Oba of Benin does not want such gathering at this time and consequently directs that the organizers of the gathering halt the exercise immediately.
The issue in question that led to their arrest is being resolved.
In this regard, no body or group of persons should gather in the Oba Of Benin Palace or anywhere in Benin Kingdom on Monday 5th September, 2022.
This announcement is important for all those concerned to comply please.
Oba ghato Kpere, ISE!
Signed
Osaigbovo Iguobaro
Chief Press Secretary
Oba Palace, Benin City.
3 September, 2022.
It would be recalled that Mr. Frank Irabor, and other chiefs were arrested on Thursday September 1, 2022 and charged to court, accused among others, of illegal demolition of houses worth N500m in Ulegun Community, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State.
Justice Mary Itsueli of a Benin High Court ordered all the accused, including Frank Irabor, Chief Oko-Oboh, Aghavbere Osawemwenguan, Abel Oko Oboh, Tuesday Atagamene, Okechukwu Okeke and Ode Ikoko be remanded in prison.
Meanwhile the Coalition of Benin Socio-cultural Organizations, following appeal from the Palace on Sunday issued a statement, respecting the wish of the Benin Monarch.
In the statement, the organization said: Having carefully perused the content of the press statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to our revered Palace which we considered as germane in view of our planned protest over the sacrilegious arrest of our most respected Secretary of Benin Traditional Council and some Palace Chiefs by the Governor Obaseki, we sincerely wish to abide by the directives of our revered Palace and hereby suspend our planned protest which was slated for tomorrow, Monday 5th of September, 2022.
It is worthy of note that the marathon engagements the great Benin people undertook on social media led to the willingness of Governor Obaseki to resolve the lingering issue which he ought to do from the onset.
In view of the aforementioned, we want to sincerely thank all Benins’ and lover of our revered Throne and Kingdom who supported the course while it lasted. May God Almighty and our Ancestors continue to bless, protect and guide you all (Amen).
However, while we welcome peaceful resolution of the subject matter, we want to state without fear or favour that on no account should any individual or agent of government cast aspersions on our revered Throne henceforth.
Oba Gha To Kpe Re, Ise!
Signed:
Osazee Amas Edobor
Coordinator General
Iyamu Osaro Culture
Secretary General
