BTC Cautions Obaseki Over Move To Reconcile Oba Ewuare II With Dukes
…Says BTI has a well-established process of customary arbitration under the authority of Oba
By Simeon OSAJIE
The Benin Traditional Council (BTC) has cautioned the executive governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki over move to initiate dispute resolution of the suit filed by two suspended Enigie against His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba of Benin.
In a public statement signed by Chief Norense Ozigbo-Esere, the Osunma of Benin, Chief Edionwe Oliha, the Oliha of Benin, Chief Henry Osato Bazuaye, the Aiwerioghene of Benin, Chief Ekhoerovbiye Oviasogie, the Uwangue of Benin, Chief Ada Igbinovia, the Eribo of Benin, Chief Stanley Obamwonyi, the Esere of Benin, Cbeif Osaro Idah, the Obazelu of Benin, Chief Okuonghae Edomwandagbon, the Ine of Benin and Chief David Aihiokun Ehondor, the Obahiagbono of Benin and made available to newsmen in Benin City, Edo State, stated that the Benin Traditional Institution has a well-established and fully functional process of customary arbitration under the authority of His Royal Majesty, the Oba of Benin.
This process of customary arbitration, the statement said is well-known to all Benin traditional chiefs, including the suspended Enigie. “Any traditional chief who has any genuine cause to be aggrieved is at liberty to explore this customary arbitration process. It is therefore an abomination for any individual to seek to interfere with this age-long and well-established process of customary arbitration,” the statement added.
Going further, the statement added: “We also wish to emphasize that His Royal Majesty, the Oba of Benin reigns over the Benin Kingdom as the spiritual and royal father of the Benin people irrespective of family status, age and office. Consequently, it is an affront for anyone to suggest that His Royal Majesty, the Oba of Benin is in dispute with those over whom he reigns, including members of the Royal Family.
“We admonish members of the general public to be wary of the abominable efforts to undermine the Benin Traditional Institution through deliberate acts and utterances which are calculated to create confusion.
“We appeal to members of the general public to remain law-abiding, and pray for peace to continue to reign in Benin Kingdom.”
