The Coalition of Benin socio-Cultural Organizations has demanded punishment against Dukes (Enigie) accused of fuelling rebellion against constituted authority in Benin Kingdom.

Recall that some Enigie in a letter, which was addressed to the State Governor and dated November 11th 2022, requesting the State government to constitute Traditional Councils for Edo South Local Government Areas, in Edo State, a request considered by many as a plot to divide the Kingdom.

The Civic advocacy group in a statement on Friday, said members of dissident group crossed the red lines by riding roughshod on sacred ground in their suicidal greed that has no place Benin Customs and Tradition.

Signatories to the Coalition led by its Coordinator-General Mr. Osaze Amas-Edobor, appealed to His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II, Oba of Benin to strip the Dukes of their titles forthwith, assuring however that the trying moments generating rumpus in the Kingdom, will certainly pass away.

The Coalition in the statement said, “in line with the demands of the people, we ask that the recalcitrant Enigie be stripped of their titles by the Oba of Benin as they have betrayed their oaths and trust”, adding that they are no longer worthy of their titles, and accordingly denied their certain rights and privileges ascribed to them.

The Coalition also noted with sadness one of the actors involved in the act of betrayal in the said letter, said the “betrayal blood from one of their maternal lineage is in manifestation”.

The pressure while commending the State governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki for rejecting their request to balkanize Benin Kingdom, clarified that “All Chieftaincy titles including Enigie by the Oba of Benin and they serve by the pleasure the pleasure of the Oba, according to the limit granted and permitted by him. It is also within the powers of the Oba to suspend, limit or totally withdraw or abolish any title given by him or his forebears. And all Chiefs and Enigie are answerable to the Oba of Benin”.

It further commended some of Dukes who having realized the folly of their request in their fishing voyage, retraced their steps and pledged their loyalty to the great Benin throne.

The Dukes letter which was signed by Enogie of Egbaen Siluko, His Royal Highness, Edomwonyi Iduozee Ogiegbaen who was was recently shoved aside by the Oba from his position as the Chief Coordinator to the Palace on Enigie matters in Benin Kingdom, and another read, “We the Enigie of the Local Government Areas of Edo South, who enjoy recognition as Traditional Rulers in the Schedule to the Traditional Rulers and Chiefs Law of Bendel State (1979), as applicable in Edo State, bring to your Excellency our warm felicitations and best wishes.

“We use this occasion to request that Your Excellency kindly exercises the prerogative conferred on your exalted office by Part 7, Section 45 of the Traditional Rulers and Chiefs Law, at this critical stage in the development of our dear State, to establish Traditional Councils for the Local Government Areas of Oredo, Egor, Ikpoba Okha, Orhionmwon, Uhunmwonde, Ovia North East, Ovia South West of Edo State.

“In making the above request, we are mindful of our duties to formulate general proposals, advice and guidance to our respective Local Government Councils, and assist in the maintenance of law and order therein.

“Permit us to count on your demonstrated commitment to the attainment of greater heights in the management of public affairs in Edo State, at this critical period when all hands should be on deck”, the letter said.

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