Six officials have been suspended by the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, for falsely presenting themselves as emissaries from the palace during a meeting with the Ooni of Ife.
In a statement signed by Chief Sam Igbe, Iyase of Benin kingdom, the suspended functionaries were identified as Johnbull Igbinosun, Iduhonre (Ihogbe), S.E. Aigbiremwen, Efesieoghoba (Ogbelaka), Ogbeide Osagie, and Osamudiame Edo.
The suspension was a result of their involvement in what was described as a sacrilegious act that goes against the Benin Custom. The individuals were accused of misrepresenting the connection between the Benin Royal Dynasty and the Ooni-ship of Ife during the encounter.
The palace deemed their behavior as inappropriate, sacrilegious, and damaging to the reputation of Benin tradition, as seen in video clips circulating on social media.
The Benin Traditional Council (BTC) urged the public to refrain from interacting with the suspended officials during their period of suspension. They also advised disregarding any misleading information provided by these individuals.
The statement released by the BTC highlighted the importance of referencing official sources, such as the book “I Remain, Sir, Your Obedient Servant,” authored by the late Oba Erediauwa, for accurate historical accounts of the connection between the two ancient monarchies.
By the directive of Oba Ewuare II, the Prescribed Authority over Benin Custom, the BTC announced the suspension of the identified individuals from their traditional roles, emphasizing that the general public should not engage with them during this time.