As a concerned Edo son and descendant of the great Ezomo dynasty, I must set the record straight. It is hypocrisy of the highest order for the Edo State PDP to attempt to lecture anyone on the sanctity of our traditional heritage, when it was under their government, led by the immediate past Governor Godwin Obaseki, that the greatest insult was meted against the Palace of our revered monarch, His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, CFR, Oba of Benin.
The Obaseki-led PDP administration illegally granted powers to the Enigies in Edo South, a direct affront designed to weaken the authority of the Oba of Benin. That act was not only unconstitutional in our tradition but a deliberate desecration of the centuries-old Benin throne. The Palace itself raised alarm then, and Edo people have not forgotten.
It took the courage and respect of the current Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, to reverse that illegality. By restoring the rightful authority of the Oba over the Enigies, Governor Okpebholo reaffirmed what every true Edo man and woman knows – that all traditional authority in Edo South flows only from the Palace of the Oba of Benin.
Now, on the recent issue of market leadership, let it be made abundantly clear: the title of Iyaloja is alien to Benin culture and customs. Market leadership in Benin flows directly from the Palace through our traditional institutions. No outsider, no political party, and no imported title can redefine who leads Edo market women. Edo women themselves must rally behind the Palace to defend our heritage of customs.
I am confident that Governor Okpebholo, who enjoys a father–son relationship with the Oba of Benin, knows how to resolve this matter in a way that strengthens our traditional institutions and protects our heritage. He has shown repeatedly that he has unshakable respect and regard for the Oba, and he will continue to act in harmony with the Palace.
If there is anything the PDP should be concerned about today, it is not meddling in Edo traditional affairs but rather apologizing to the Palace and the entire Edo people for the embarrassment, pain, and desecration their government caused by trying to diminish the sacred authority of our monarch.
Our message is clear: Edo traditional institutions are not for political games. The Palace of the Oba of Benin remains the fountain of our heritage, and Governor Okpebholo has demonstrated he will always stand to defend it.
At this point in our history, what Edo needs most is unity. Let us set aside bitterness, resist the games of mischief-makers, and stand as one people under the leadership of our Oba of Benin. Let us give full support to our traditional institutions and rally behind the government of Senator Monday Okpebholo as he works with wisdom and humility to rebuild Edo. Together, we will defend our heritage, strengthen our unity, and secure the future of our land.
Comrade Ikhuenbor Felix Igbinevbo (Mr Figo)
Proud son of Edo, Descendant of the Ezomo Dynasty.
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