By Ogochukwu Isioma
The Edo State Government has officially ratified the suspension of 67 Enigies by the Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, overriding five Executive Orders issued by former Governor Godwin Obaseki.
This was disclosed by the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Hon. Paul Ohonbamu, after the weekly State Executive Council (Exco) meeting at the Government House in Benin City.
He said that the approval was aimed at maintaining order and discipline in the state’s traditional institution.
Ohonbamu described the actions of the Enigies as a “Cultural Coup d’état”, accusing them of attempting to overthrow the Oba of Benin.
“This move marks a significant development, given the approval and ratification of the suspended rebellious Enigies against the Benin Monarch,” the commissioner said.
The Benin Traditional Council (BTC) had earlier announced the suspension of the 67 Enigies, alleging 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.
Ohonbamu accused the past administration of Governor Obaseki of attempting to “balkanize the Benin Kingdom” through five Executive Orders.
However, he noted that Governor Monday Okpebholo has vacated these orders with a single Executive Order.
He alleged that the former governor handpicked some Enigies to act against the palace, highlighting their refusal to honour the Oba’s call, visit the palace, or pay allegiance to the monarch.
Describing the authority of the Oba, Ohonbamu said, “The Oba does not make mistakes and does not apologize. He is all-powerful, and his source of strength remains a riddle, wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma.”
He added, “The Oba’s word is law, and even if you have a PhD three times over, your obedience to the word or directive of the Oba is obligatory by assent.”
Addressing claims from some Enigies that they signed in error, Ohonbamu insisted that their actions amounted to a coup attempt. “They wanted to overthrow the Oba of Benin, no matter the defense they attempted to put forward,” he said.
The commissioner emphasized that “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.’”
Citing the Traditional Rulers and Chiefs Edict of 1979, particularly Section 19 Subsection 1, Ohonbamu maintained that the Executive Council had the power to act accordingly.
He also condemned the former governor’s actions, noting, “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.”
In addition to the ratification of the suspensions, the Commissioner disclosed that the Exco approved the payment of furniture allowance and all entitlements to political and public office holders in the state. This, he said, was to ensure that those in leadership positions receive the necessary support to carry out their duties effectively.
The Edo State Government reaffirmed its commitment to good governance, transparency, and accountability through these decisions.
