Obaseki’s obfuscated propaganda

By Douglas Ogbankwa, Esq.

Under the Bendel State Traditional and Chieftaincy Law of 1979, as applicable to Edo State, the only gazetted ruler of the whole of Edo South is the Oba of Benin.

The Enigies are not in any way gazetted under the said law, and only five Palace Societies with their Chiefs are recognised and gazetted in the law.

That law has not been repealed; it remains valid and binding to this day. Every Chief under the Oba of Benin, installed by the Oba, is therefore a creation of law.

The Enigies, on the other hand, are creations of the Oba of Benin, just as princes in England are creations of the King of England.

Former Governor Godwin Obaseki should know that Edo State is governed by law, not by the whims and caprices of despots.

The actions of the former Governor were clearly intended to undermine the Oba of Benin.

As a matter of fact, before leaving office, former Governor Obaseki did not pay the funds due to the Oba of Benin and the Palace. Instead, he paid monies to the Enigies—funds which were then used to file a case against the Oba of Benin, an abomination never before witnessed in the history of the Benin Kingdom.

As Governor, Obaseki received monthly security votes. Why did he not use these security votes to reach out to anyone he claimed he needed to reach out to? The former Governor also budgeted for security. What, then, was the money used for?

Do not fall for cheap propaganda. It was under Godwin Obaseki that a Divisional Police Officer (DPO) was kidnapped in Edo State, and it was under him that the Igueben Train hijack occurred.

Under him, a Reverend Father was kidnapped and killed.

Under him, cultists were counting scores—lives of innocent citizens cut short.

Douglas Ogbankwa, Esq.
Convener, Security Situation Room