By JACOB KUBEKA –
The Benin Traditional Council has disclaimed and condemned a recent video trending on social media anchored by one Eranomigho Edegbe stating that he has the authority of His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, Oba of Benin, to hurl invectives and insults at President Muhammadu Buhari and a few other respected members of the society.
In a strongly worded rebuttal dated 29th June 2020, the Council categorically stated that for the purpose of clarification, and to set the records straight, “His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, Oba of Benin, wishes to make it categorically and irrevocably clear that the said video and the contents therein was not commissioned nor was it encouraged by His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, Oba of Benin. We condemn in the strongest terms the malicious attacks on the integrity of His Excellency, the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, and all other persons who the video seeks to malign.”
In the statement, signed by its Secretary, Frank Irabor, the Council said, “our love for Mr. President is unparalled as the relationship shared date back the days of His Royal Majesty, Oba Eredauwa (of blessed memory), the immediate past Oba of Benin. The relationship was further strengthened when Mr. President headed the Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF), His Excellency was always very nice, warm, respectful and accommodating to our father, His Royal Majesty, OMO N’OBA N’EDO, Uku Akpolokpolo, Eredauwa II, Oba of Benin.
“In our stance of non-partrisanship, we are in constant prayers that His Excellency’s desires are fully manifest in Edo state for the benefit of the Benin Royal family, Edo people and, the nation as a whole. Thus, our prayers and support for Mr. President is enormous.”
It also noted that Comrade Adams Oshiomhole had always respected not just the traditional institution in Edo state, but also the Palace of the Oba of Benin.
“His affection for our father who adopted the Comrade as a son is well known. This relationship was also reinforced during his tenure as Executive Governor of Edo state. We were happy to convene a send-forth for him upon the expiration of his two-terms, where His Royal Majesty used the Ada of the ancestors to pray for his protection a thing quite rare in Benin custom, we are glad that the prayers said on him continue to be efficacious in all his endeavours,” the Council recalled.
The rest of the statement reads:
“Captain Hosa Okurbo is an illustrious son of the Palace of the Oba of Benin, who at all times has worked in support of the Palace as a son of the Oba of Benin, this there can be nothing but goodwill and positive prayers for this distinguished son of Benin Kingdom.
“These utterances and behaviour of Eranomigbi and his cohorts show that they are not happy and comfortable with the cordial relationship between the Palace of the Oba of Benin and the Presidency.
“Furthermore, it shows that some disgruntled elements like Eranomigbo have deep animosity against Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and Captain Hosa Okurbo.
“The video under reference, and al such made in similar vein should be seen by what they really, as they seek to propagate “fake news”, misinformation, disaffection, and misrepresentation for their own selfish and mischievous intentions. The recent fake news is akin to an audio one that claimed His Royal Majesty had directed all Bini people not to sweep their homes for three days in order to avoid the corona virus pandemic which they knew very well was contrary to keeping everywhere disinfected as well as hand washing, using hand sanitizers and practicing social distancing protocols, all part of the NCDC Pandemic prevention measures. We also had to refute that immediately.
“The antecedents of social media rats and their roguish antics and activities as a global malaise, and should not be taken seriously by rational, reasonable and responsible members of the society as their action is driven by their quest to satisfy their hunger and their desperation for a means of livelihood.
“We wish to reassure His Excellency, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and all mention in the video that they enjoy the confidence and goodwill of His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, Oba of Benin.
“We use this medium to sound a not of caution to members of the public to totally disregard and discountenance the statements made in the said video and to further that his attempt and similar attempts to bring the Royal Palace of the Oba of Benin and the revered institution of the Benin monarchy into disrepute shall be met stiffly with the parameters of the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the traditional processes of the Benin Kingdom.
“Eranomigho and his cohorts are hereby reminded that there is an ancestral curse on anyone who attempts to tarnish the image of the Oba of Benin and the ancient Throne of Benin Kingdom. The Benin Traditional Council hereby demands an unreserved apology from Eranomigho in order to avert the consequences.”
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