… Describes Their Actions as Cultural Coup d’état
Edo State Government has officially ratified the decision of the Oba of Benin to suspend 71 Enigies, thereby overriding five Executive orders issued by former Governor Godwin Obaseki.
The Commissioner for Information and Communication, Hon. Paul Ohonbamu who disclosed this to Journalists after the State Executive Council meeting at the Government House in Benin City said the Exco approved the ratification of the suspension of the Enigies, a move aimed at maintaining order and discipline in the state’s traditional institution.
Hon Paul Ohonbamu emphasized that the actions of the Enigies amounted to a Cultural Coup d’état, when they attempted to overthrow the Oba of Benin.
This move, he said, marks a significant development, given the approval and ratification of the suspended rebellious Enigies against the Benin Monarch.
Recall that the Benin Traditional Council, BTC, had earlier announced the suspension of the 71 Enigies in Benin Kingdom alledging that they engaged in anti-palace and rebellious activities against the Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, CFR.
Hon. Ohonbamu said the past administration of Governor Godwin Obaseki attempted to carry out the balkanization of the Benin Kingdom using five Executive orders available to him, which has been vacated by Governor Monday Okpebholo using one Executive order.
He emphasized that the act was orchestrated by the last administration, when Godwin Obaseki allegedly picked some Enigies to act rebelliously against the palace of the Oba of Benin
He highlighted some of the critical issues which include the vow made by the Enigies never to honour the Obas call, go to the palace, and pay allegiance to the monarch.
Ohonbamu described the position of the Benin Monarch as a repository of the rights, divinity, law, and the power of the Benin Kingdom.
He further stressed that all Benin people, no matter how highly placed, derive validity from the Oba, adding that the oba is not only powerful, he does not make mistakes, nor apologize.
“The Oba does not make mistakes and does not apologize and he is all powerful and his source of strength remains a riddle, wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma.
“The Oba’s word is law and even if you have PhD. three times over, your obedience to the word or directive of the Oba is obligatory by assent.
“The act of rebellion is complete on its own without more and the rebellious Enigies ought to know better. Their situation is such that Jesus said, “It is finished.”
“We are aware that some said they signed in error and did not go further. But what they did amounted to a Cultural Coup d’état.
“They wanted to overthrow the Oba of Benin, no matter the defence they attempted to put forward,” he noted.
While condemning some of the suspended Enigies who attempted to exonerate their actions, Hon. Ohonbamu admonished that the act of rebellion is complete on its own and for those who said they did not partake thereafter, the general rules governing a coup plot is that the planning of a coup, and its actual execution carry the same penalty.
He added that every action goes with consequences, making references to the traditional rulers and Chiefs edict of 1979, particularly section 19 subsection 1 as applicable to Edo State which gives power to the Executive Council to act accordingly.
“Former Governor Godwin Obaseki, through his actions, balkanized the Benin Kingdom by attempting to create other traditional councils through five Executive orders.
“But with one Executive order, Governor Monday Okpebholo has obliterated the five executive orders of Gov. Obaseki
The Commissioner further disclosed that the decisions made during the Exco meeting demonstrate the state government’s commitment to good governance, transparency, and accountability.
He said that the EXCO also approved the payment of furniture allowance and all entitlements to political and public office holders in the state, thereby ensuring that those in leadership positions receive the necessary support to carry out their duties effectively.
