A group, Benin Solidarity Movement (BSM), has solicited the intervention of the Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo Ewuare II, to avert the crisis brewing in Ologbo community over the alleged dissolution of the Ologbo Community Relations Committee (CRC).

The group accused some lawmakers in the Edo State House of Assembly of attempting to usurp the traditional role and powers of the Enogie of Ologbo Dukedom, Jason Akenzua, following the illegal dissolution of the CRC.

Speaking during a peaceful protest to the palace of the Oba of Benin, hundreds of youth from Ologbo community who brandished placards, appealed to the monarch to intervene and call the lawmakers to order.

In their protest letter signed by the President of BSM, Elder Curtis Ugbo, and the Secretary-General, Ms Esohe Adun, the youths said they were joining the people of Ologbo to protest the attempt by the lawmakers to usurp the powers of the Enogie of Ologbo.

The letter reads in part: “We are here at Your Majesty’s palace to inform you of the undue negative influence of some politicians, wanting to use the instrumentality of the legislative army of Edo State Government (specifically the Edo State House of Assembly) against the Enogie (Duke) of Ologbo Dukedom, in particular, and Benin Traditional Council (BTC) Law in general.

“We are joining the Ologbo people in protesting to Your Majesty as the only traditionally constituted authority, sole custodian and the overlord of all communities in the Kingdom (Edo South Senatorial District of Edo State.

“We are aware that the Edo State House of Assembly does not have such rights to constitute a CRC in any community in the kingdom without the approval of the Enogie of the Dukedom as Yours Majesty’s Representative.”

While stating that there were some Benin chiefs aiding the plot to hijack the powers of the Enogie of Ologbo Dukedom, the BSM appealed to Oba Ewuare II to call the chiefs to order, to prevent break down of law and order.

Speaking on behalf of the Ologbo community while handing over their letter of protest to Chief Uyi Okungbowa, who represented the Benin Monarch, the Secretary of Ologbo community and representative of Enogie of Ologbo, Owenvbiugie Akenzua, appealed to the Oba of Benin to intervene, saying: “We, your subjects from Ologbo Community, are here to formally report to Your Royal Majesty of the dissolution of the CRC duly constituted by your appointee.