The Benin Traditional Council (BTC) has taken decisive action against six traditional functionaries of the palace of the Oba of Benin.
According to LEADERSHIP, the suspension, authorized by His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II, signifies a stern response to alleged distortions of historical facts regarding the connection between the Benin royal dynasty and the Ooni of Ife.
The suspended individuals include Johnbull Igbinosun, Iduhonre (Ihogbe), S. E. Aigbiromwen, Efeseoghoba (Ogbelaka), Ogbeide Osagie, and Osamudiame Edo. A statement issued by the Iyase of Benin, Chief Sam Igbe, elucidated the rationale behind the suspension, attributing it to the individuals' conduct while in the presence of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi.
According to the statement, the suspended functionaries purported to be emissaries of the Oba of Benin during their interaction with the Ooni of Ife.
However, their representation was marred by alleged inaccuracies and distortions regarding the historical ties between the Benin royal dynasty and the Ooni of Ife.
Chief Sam Igbe emphasized the gravity of their actions, denouncing them as inappropriate, sacrilegious, and aimed at ridiculing traditional history.
The BTC condemned the individuals' declaration of allegiance to the Ooni of Ife, as well as their dissemination of inaccurate accounts of historical connections between the two ancient monarchies.
Describing their conduct as a "sacrilegious show of shame and falsehood against Benin tradition and custom," the BTC urged the general public to disregard the misinformation propagated by the suspended functionaries.
Instead, they encouraged individuals to consult official sources such as the book "I Remain Sir, Your Obedient Servant," authored by His Royal Majesty, Erediauwa II, Oba of Benin, spanning the years 1979 to 2016.