Recent developments have intensified the historical rivalry between the Kingdoms of Benin and Ile-Ife, culminating in the suspension of several officials by the Benin Palace. These suspensions followed allegations of a grave breach of protocol and falsehood regarding traditional loyalties.
The controversy erupted after footage surfaced online showing the officials at the palace of Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife. In the video, they professed allegiance to the Ooni, suggesting his supremacy over the Oba of Benin, a claim that starkly contradicted the customs of Benin.
The Benin Traditional Council (BTC), through its spokesperson, the Iyase (Prime Minister) of Benin, Chief Sam Igbe, identified the suspended individuals as Johnbull Igbinosun, Iduhonre (Ihogbe), S.E. Aigbiremwen, Efesieoghoba (Ogbelaka), Ogbeide Osagie, and Osamudiame Edo. Chief Igbe condemned the officials’ actions as a "sacrilegious display of disgrace and misinformation against the customs of Benin."
The BTC clarified that these men misrepresented themselves as envoys of His Royal Majesty Oba Ewuare II, the reigning Oba of Benin, during their visit to the Ooni. This misrepresentation has been denounced by the council as not only disrespectful but also historically inaccurate.
In response to this incident, the BTC has issued a reminder to the public, advising them to consult the officially recognized historical accounts of the relationship between the Benin and Ife thrones. They particularly recommend the authoritative text "I Remain, Sir, Your Obedient Servant" by His Royal Majesty Oba Erediauwa, former Oba of Benin, as a reliable source of information.
The council has sternly reprimanded the suspended officials and has advised the public to disregard their claims and to cease all traditional interactions with them during their period of suspension. This decisive action underscores the seriousness with which the Benin Kingdom treats matters of tradition and protocol.
0 Comments