Great Benin Royal Palace of Ewuare II, Oba of Benin Kingdom, has sacked the Enogie (Duke) of Egbaen, His Royal Highness Edomwonyi Iduoze as the Chief Coordinator to the Palace on Enigie matters in Benin Kingdom.
According to a statement dated January 3, 2023 signed, and released by the Chief Press Secretary to Oba Ewuare II, Mr. Osaigbovo Iguobaro, the action takes immediate effect.
The statement read:
“This is to inform the general public that the Royal Highness, Edomwonyi Iduoze Ogiegbaen Enogie of Egbaen Siluko, has been removed as coordinator to the palace on Enigie matters in Benin Kingdom.
“His removal takes immediate effect.”
Although the Palace did not give any reason for his removal, this development might not be unconnected with the recent rebellious activities of the said Enogie against the ancient Benin throne.
It would be recalled that Ogiegbaen Siluko led more than eighty other Enigie (Dukes) on November 11, 2022, in a petition urging Governor Godwin Obaseki to constitute a parallel traditional council across the Seven Local Government Area of Edo South.
This action has been seen so far by loyal Benin sons and daughters, and even some concerned Nigerians across the globe as an attempted mutiny or an act intended to undermine the authority of the Great Benin King.
In the letter, the Enigie had begged Obaseki to: “Please Constitute Traditional Council for Edo South Local Government Areas of Edo State.”
In the agitation, spearheaded by the Ogiegbaen, the rebellious Enigie stated: “We the Enigie of the Local Government Areas of Edo South, who enjoys recognition as traditional rulers in the Schedule to Traditional Rulers and Chiefs Law of Bendel State (1979), as applicable in Edo State, bring to your Excellency our warm felicitations and best wishes.
“We use this occasion to request that your Excellency kindly exercise the prerogative conferred on your exalted office by Part 7, Section 45 of the Traditional Rulers and Chiefs Law, at this crucial stage in the development of our dear state, to establish Traditional Councils for the Local Government Areas of Oredo, Egor, Ikpoba Okha, Orhionmwon, Uhunmwode, Ovia North East, Ovia South West of Edo State.
“In making the above request, we are mindful of our duties to formulate general proposals, advice and guidance to our respective local government councils, and assist in the maintenance of law and order therein.”
