Expressing disapproval, the Benin Traditional Council has objected to the upcoming installation of one Alhaji Danjuma Binkola as the “Garkuwan Hausawan Benin” by Alhaji Isah Adamu.
In a letter dated April 18, 2024, titled “Denunciation of plan to hold a turbaning ceremony in Benin City,” the Iyase of Benin Kingdom, Chief Sam Igbe, representing the Benin Traditional Council, outlined their concerns.
Addressed to the Edo State Director of the Department of State Services, the letter accused Alhaji Adamu of referring to himself as “His Royal Highness.”
It was mentioned that the turbaning ceremony is set to take place on Sunday, May 5, 2024, at No. 7 Butcher Street, Off Mission Road, Benin City.
The Iyase of Benin expressed that the planned turbaning ceremony represented a breach of the sacred Benin Traditional and Customary Law on Chieftaincy Matters, with potential adverse effects on law and order in the state.
He insisted that it violated Benin Traditional and Customary Law on Chieftaincy Matters and must be halted at all costs.
According to him, “The Benin Traditional Council has been made aware of an individual identifying as ‘His Royal Highness Alh. Adamu Isah Adamu’ who intends to conduct a turbaning ceremony where ‘Alhaji Danjuma Garba Binkola’ will be installed as ‘Garkuwan Hausawa Benin’ on Sunday, May 5, 2024, at No. 7 Butcher Street, Off Mission Road, Benin City.
“The BTC hereby notifies the Nigerian Police Force, other security agencies, and the public that this planned event violates Benin Traditional and Customary Law governing chieftaincy matters and should not proceed under any circumstances.
“To clarify, the BTC stresses that as the recognized authority on chieftaincy matters in the seven local government areas of Edo South Senatorial District, His Royal Majesty Ewuare II, Oba of Benin, has not authorized the turbaning or granting of a chieftaincy title to anyone by the name ‘Alh. Danjuma Garba Binkola,’ or allowed any individual identified as ‘His Royal Highness Alh. Adamu Isah Adamu’ to organize such a ceremony in Benin City or any part of Edo South Senatorial District, Edo State.”
However, he urged those involved in the planned turbaning ceremony to respect Benin Traditional and Customary Law by canceling the event immediately.