A civic advocacy group, Benin Forum of Patriots has raised the consciousness of 80-man panel of elders, urging them to address issues of concern in Benin Kingdom, which is part of Edo State.
The noble objectives are aimed at strengthening rules-based values, and tone down rhetoric that promotes political intolerance and social media hostilities against age-long cultural norms.
Addressing a news conference on Wednesday in Benin City, the convener of the Forum, Imasuen Amowie Izoduwa, expressed concern over the perceived deepening divisions caused by some individuals and griots fanning embers of discord that
could trigger unrest if not urgently checked.
He said Benin Kingdom had suffered growing internal divisions over the past few years, driven largely by politics and disputes over traditional adherence, with social media amplifying hate and threats by agents of destabilization.
Imasuen revealed that the tension escalated following the alleged assault Dr. Pedro Obaseki by some youths over a purported sacrilegious remarks, raising fears of reprisals before the Benin Traditional Council via a statement publicly distanced the Oba of Benin from the incident.
“We call on all aggrieved persons to cease fire on social media and elsewhere and allow peace to reign while elders intervene,” according to Imasuen.
He explained that the proposed panel, to be drawn from traditional institutions, religious bodies, politics, business, law and other sectors, would mediate disputes and restore unity under the supremacy of the Oba of Benin.
The Forum nominated Mr. Lucky Imasuen, a former Edo governorship Candidate, and Senator Ehigie Uzamere to midwife the process by reaching out to the elders as part of the healing process across ideological blocs.
The convener also noted that the nominees would subsequently be handed over to the Iyase of Benin Kingdom, Chief Sam Udinyiwe Igbe, as chairman, and Prof. Princess Adesuwa Emovon, a scion of Akenzua II) as co-chairman.
Imasuen further stressed that the initiative by the non partisan group is aimed solely at preserving peace, unity and the great Benin throne.
