The Benin monarch, His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II, has banished his former sceptre bearer, Mr. Roland Ogbebor otherwise known as “Odionwere Omuada” in Edo Language from participating in palace functions, festivals and spiritual groups and other traditional activities.

Ogbebor who was discharged in November 2018 as the carrier of one of the symbols of authority of the monarch, was banned for allegedly parading himself as the second in command to the monarch as well as purportedly engaging in fraudulent activities bordering on land grabbing and extortion.

The Secretary, Benin Traditional Council, Mr. Frank Irabor disclosed this at a Press briefing on Tuesday in Benin City, Edo State Capital.

He said the ban on Ogbebor who gives a false impression that they were directives from the palace, was extended to his participation at all Oba palace traditional establishments and functions, including spiritual groups, activities, festivals and shrines in Benin kingdom.

Irabor urged any individual or Community that has issue on land grabbing, extortion, intimidation, impersonation and fraud with the former Chief servant to forward their complaints to the Secretary of the Benin Traditional Council or Security Agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force for action.

“The Benin Traditional Council would like to state emphatically that there had been several verbal and written reports bordering on land grabbing and other fraudulent activities including extortion by Roland.

“Benin Traditional Council has reports that Roland allegedly gave express directives for Duke (Enogie), Chief Priest (Ohen) and Okao to be installed, giving a false impression that they were directives from the palace.

“The general public is informed that the permission for Enogie, community head (Odionwere), Ohen and Okao to be installed is giving directly by the Oba of Benin with the Chiefs, palace functionaries and members of the relevant Community present in a small Ceremony in the palace of the Oba of Benin,” Irabor noted.

Continuing, Irabor said, “This is sacrilegious and an abomination punishable by customary laws of our tradition.

“Any person or village that has issue with Roland especially on land grabbing, extortion, intimidation, impersonation and fraud is advised to send written complaints to the secretary of BTC or the police, DSS.

“Furthermore, he paraded himself as deputizing for palace authority to the extent of being addressed in an abominable manner as the second in Command to his royal majesty. This is sacrilege and an abomination punishable by Customary laws of our tradition.

“He has also behaved in treacherous ways to the throne that is akin to being a traitor. He has been able to do this by disguising himself as a wolf in sheep clothing and confidence trickster. He was of the opinions that his services to the throne were indispensable,” he added.

He explained that the directive for the installation of Dukes and Priests is given directly by the monarch, with the Chiefs and members of the relevant Communities.

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