The Benin Traditional Council has raised objections to the proposed appointment of Alhaji Danjuma Garba Binkola as the “Garkuwan Hausawan Benin” by Alhaji Adamu Isah Adamu.
A letter dated April 18, 2024, titled “denunciation of plan to hold a turbaning ceremony in Benin City” was signed by Chief Sam Igbe, Iyase of Benin Kingdom, on behalf of the Benin Traditional Council.
In the letter addressed to the Edo State Director, Department of State Security, DSS, it was alleged that Alhaji Adamu Isah Adamu referred to himself as “His Royal Highness”.
The turbaning ceremony is scheduled to take place on Sunday, May 5, 2024, at No. 7 Butcher Street, Off Mission Road, Benin City, according to Igbe.
The Iyase of Benin expressed the view that the planned turbaning ceremony was a disrespectful act that goes against the sacred Benin Traditional and Customary Law on Chieftaincy Matters, with potential negative implications for law and order in the State.
He also stated that it constituted a breach of Benin Traditional and Customary Law regarding Chieftaincy Matters and must not proceed under any circumstances.
The Benin Traditional Council (BTC) has been made aware of an individual claiming the title “His Royal Highness Alh. Adamu Isah Adamu” and identifying himself as “Sarkin Hausawa”, intending to conduct a Turbaning ceremony where “Alh. 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, he added.
“The BTC wants to notify the Nigerian Police Force and other security agencies, along with the public, that this event is a violation of Benin Traditional and Customary Law concerning chieftaincy matters and must NOT PROCEED under any circumstances.
“To be clear, the BTC emphasizes that as the Authority on Chieftaincy Matters within the Seven Local Government Areas of Edo South Senatorial District, the Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, His Royal Majesty Ewuare II, Oba of Benin, has neither consented to nor approved the turbaning or bestowal of a chieftaincy title by the name of “Alh. Danjuma Garba Binkola”, nor has allowed anyone named “His Royal Highness Alh. Adamu Isah Adamu” to conduct such a ceremony in Benin City or elsewhere in Edo South Senatorial District, Edo State,” he mentioned.
However, he urged those involved in the planned turbaning ceremony to respect the sanctity of the Benin Traditional and Customary Law by canceling the event immediately.