A House of Representatives member, Dennis Idahosa (APC – Edo), has warned the people of Benin never to allow their emotions to be exploited by those with ulterior motives to bring the palace of Oba of Benin into disrepute.
Idahosa gave the warning via a statement he signed, a copy of which was made available to the News Agency of Nigeria on Sunday in Benin.
The statement followed a lawsuit filed by some enegies (dukes) in Benin, challenging their suspension from office by the traditional ruler
They argued that it was only the state governor that has the power to remove them from office if found wanting of any offence
In the suit marked B/250OS/2023, they claimed that their appointments as traditional chiefs enjoyed the recognition of the Edo State Government and therefore, they were duly registered under Section 25(2) of the Traditional Rulers and Chiefs Law.
But Idahosa, in his reaction, called on the subjects of Oba Ewaure II to remain calm and compose themselves during this difficult time.
According to him, “those who wish to undermine the Oba and the Benin Kingdom have tried and failed in their previous attempts and now they have resorted to dragging the Oba to court using some disgruntled members of the enegies.
“Such attempts”, the federal lawmaker said, “would not succeed, as the Oba was loved and respected by his people, and is under divine protection.”
The lawmaker noted that the traditional institution was an important part of the culture and history of the state, and must be preserved and protected.
He sued for unity among the people of the Benin Kingdom and urged them to stand together in support of their traditional institutions and values.
Idahosa expressed the hope that the kingdom would continue to thrive and prosper.
“History will never be allowed to repeat itself and as such, we must do all that is necessary, including guiding our utterances to avoid the pitfalls that the enemies have set against the Palace.
“They have used other routes without achieving success in their quest to undermine our revered monarch; now, they have set some of the Dukes against the Palace.
“Like I have always maintained and still do, they will not only fail on this court matter, they will run out of what to do to undermine the Benin kingdom,” he said.
He prayed that the Oba of Benin would continue to enjoy divine protection and good health.
“I believe that the traditional institution is a vital part of the state’s history and culture, and must be preserved and protected,” he submitted. (NAN)