Suspended Edo South Enigie Plead for Mercy
By Simeon OSAJIE
Scores of Enigie (Dukes) in Benin Kingdom suspended by the Benin Traditional Council (BTC) acting on the authority of the Benin Monarch, today appealed to the His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II, and the traditional institution for mercy over alleged misconduct.
Recall that the Benin Traditional Council (BTC) had announced the suspension of 67 Enigie (Dukes) in Benin Kingdom, over alleged misconduct and rebellious activities carried out by the affected Enigie against the Oba of Benin.
The affected Enigies led by Victor Etinosa, the suspended Enogie of N’Iyekikpoba while speaking with newsmen in Benin following a passionate appeal for forgiveness to the Benin Monarch, appealed for mercy for all their shortcomings.
They denied subscribing to any oath not to pay allegiance to the Oba of Benin Kingdom.
The Enigies also appealed to the Benin Monarch to temper justice with mercy and forgive all of them.
“Your Majesty, it is often said that it will be suicidal for one to wrestle with his personal God, which Your Royal Majesty represent in our individual lives.
“We are therefore appealing most passionately for Your Royal Majesty to have compassion and forgiveness for any or all our shortcomings.
“Umogun ghato okpere, as our father, it is often said that the hand you use to beat a child is the same hand you use to draw him close to yourself”.
Going further, they stated that, “We wish to state here categorically that at no time did any of the Enigie subscribe to any oath not to pay allegiance to Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, CFR, Oba of Benin Kingdom.
“We at no time swore to any oath not to visit the palace of the Oba of Benin or answer to any summon or invitation by your Royal Majesty. We neither sworn to any other oath that we will not participate in any activities of his Royal Majesty and the Palace of the Oba of Benin nor sworn to any oath not to pay traditional homage to the Oba of Benin.
“Your Majesty Sir, we humbly appeal to your Majesty to temper justice with mercy and forgive us all.”
The suspended Enigies pleaded that that they are prepared and willing to appear before the Oba of Benin on invitation. “We are willing and prepared to continue to perform our task and obligations to your Majesty and the Palace,” they added.
