Five functionaries have been suspended by the Benin Traditional Council (BTC) for what has been described as an ‘unauthorised’ visit to the Ooni of Ife.
The suspension follows allegations of sacrilegious conduct and misrepresentation of the Benin Custom during their visit.
The suspended functionaries, identified as Johnbull Igbinosun, Iduhonre (Ihogbe), S.E. Aigbiremwen, Efesieoghoba (Ogbelaka), along with Ogbeide Osagie and Osamudiame Edo, purportedly visited the Ooni of Ife, claiming to be emissaries of the Oba of Benin. They allegedly provided inaccurate and disjointed accounts of the historical connection between the Benin Royal Dynasty and the Ooni-ship of Ife.
The statement, signed by the Iyase (Prime Minister) of Benin, Chief Sam Ugbe, condemned the actions of the suspended functionaries, labeling their conduct as “inappropriate, sacrilegious, and calculated to ridicule traditional history.” The BTC stated that the general public should disregard the inaccurate accounts provided by the individuals involved.
In response to the incident, the Benin Monarch, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, His Royal Majesty Oba Ewuare II, has authorized the suspension of the functionaries from their roles as Benin traditional functionaries. The BTC has also advised the public to refrain from engaging with them in any capacity throughout their suspension period.
The BTC further urged the public to seek information on the historical connection between the two ancient monarchies from authoritative sources, specifically referencing the book titled “I Remain, Sir, Your Obedient Servant” authored by His Royal Majesty, Oba Erediauwa, Oba of Benin.
