Jonathan Nwokpor
The Palace of the Oba of Benin disagreed with the Edo State administration almost four days after the administration announced that Okaigheles (youth leaders) would not be allowed to conduct any activities in the state’s Edo South senatorial area.
According to the ZINGTIE, on June 3, 2024, Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki announced, as part of a renewed effort to combat cultism in the state, the ban of youth leaders in the senatorial district following a meeting behind closed doors with Edo State security chiefs at the Government House in Benin City.
Obaseki added that between January and May 2024, at least 150 people had died as a result of cult-related murder and other crimes.
The Oba of Benin Palace addressed the youth leader’s prohibition in the seven local government districts that comprise the Edo South senatorial district and stated that Okaigheles are not prohibited in the Benin Kingdom.
Speaking on behalf of the Palace, Chief Osaro Idah, the Obazelu of Benin, addressed the Okaigheles who were protesting and asking for the Palace’s involvement. He pointed out that the Okaigheles are part of Benin’s long-standing traditional administrative framework.
Chief Oghafua Oyeoba, the Oyeoba of Benin, and Chief Uyi Okungbowa, the Ogua of Benin, joined Idah in a statement made available to newsmen in Benin City. Iguobaro, the Chief Press Secretary to the Oba of Benin, said the Palace would not protect anyone involved in illicit activities.
He tasked the Okaigheles with upholding law and order in their territories and gave his word that the Palace would hold talks with the government over the sensitive matter.
According to him: “Okaighele is not a new thing in Benin. It didn’t start in this century. As you have age grades and senior sons, so do we have them. When Odionwere (village head) is appointed by the Oba, Okaighele assists Odionwere in the daily administration of the domain.
“It is not something that can be banned by fiat because Okaighele belongs to the Benin ancestors. We will inform the appropriate authorities about your concerns. You have not been banned. But, the Palace will not support any form of violence or attack on anyone or group of persons in communities,” he said.
He issued a warning, saying that the palace would assist the government in bringing charges against any Okaighele who is found to have committed a crime.
Earlier, Rowland Ogbomo said that Okaighele is a palace creation, speaking on behalf of the angry youths and Odionweres (village chiefs).
Ogbomo expressed their amazement at the declaration made by the state governor and urged Oba Ewuare II, the Oba of Benin, to step in immediately.
He clarified that, in accordance with Benin’s indigenous laws and customs, Okaigheles are in charge of upholding law and order.
“We are here in respect of the recent ban on Okaigheles by the Governor and we are appealing to our royal father to intervene and rescue us. We are not cultists,” he stated.
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