Benin Forum, Edebiri disagree over Buhari

CONCERNED members of Benin Forum have passed a vote of no confidence on the Chairman, Steering Committee, the Esogban of Benin Kingdom, Chief David Edebiri for his inability to properly manage the affairs of the group in accordance with its constitution.

   The decision of the forum was sequel to Edebiri’s campaign that Benin people should not vote for President Goodluck Jonathan for a second term in office, contrary to the position and direction of His Royal Majesty, the Omo N’oba Erediauwa.

   A statement signed by the Director of Media of the Forum, Barrister Osamwonyi Osagiede, stated: “Chief David Edebiri should be reminded that some months ago, our revered Benin monarch, Omo N’oba Nedo Uku-Akpolokpolor, Oba of Benin, who appointed him and 23 other prominent Benin sons and daughters, who are members of different political parties to oversee the affairs of the Forum, sent the crown prince (Eheneden Erediauwa) to President Jonathan to express his support for the re-election of Mr. President and his constant prayers for his victory at the polls.

   “Therefore, it is odiously mischievous and rude for anyone for that matter to assume another position.

   “The concerned members of the Benin Forum rose from an emergency meeting on Sunday, 15th February, 2015 in Benin City to re-emphasize the importance of the Forum and its undiluted role it is supposed to play for the entire Benin people. The members salute the Founder of the Benin Forum, His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba Nedo, Oba Erediauwa.

   “The concerned members reviewed the journey and activities of the Forum since inception; and specifically, the dragging of the Benin Forum to political arena by the steering committee under the chairmanship of Chief David Edebiri, who always uses the organisation to enrich himself to the detriment of the Benin people.

   “Right from time, he has single-handedly used our most revered Benin monarch’s name to score political points for his selfish interest.”

   The Forum said that Edebiri’s push that Benin people should not vote for President Jonathan “is totally unacceptable as it amounts to undermining the sanctity and authority of the Benin monarch. To every Benin man, the pronouncement and direction of the Benin monarch is sacrosanct.

   “Chief Edebiri’s reaction to Patrick Eholor’s position that he (Edebiri) was speaking for the gods is most amusing and funny: when has he become the chief priest of Benin Kingdom or Ohen?”

   The Forum reminded Edebiri about how Buhari truncated the tenure of the democratically-elected civilian government of Alhaji Shehu Shagari and the governorship mandate of a prominent son of Benin Kingdom, Dr. Samuel Ogbemudia, three months into office in 1983

   “It said if the gods have asked Edebiri to tell Benins to vote for the same man (Buhari), “then there is more to it than meets the eye; and it is hoped that he is not lying against his gods.”

   The Forum asked Edebiri to step aside as chairman of the steering committee within 72 hours beginning from Monday, February 16.  The ultimatum expires today, Wednesday, February 18, 2015.

   These positions, taken at a meeting in Benin last Sunday convened by Prince S. Ebuwa, Dr. Francis Omo-Osunde Iyasere, Colonel Edward Igbinidu (who represented Benin retired military officers), Lawrence Igbinosun and Lucky Osahon, were contained in a press statement signed by the Director of Media of the Forum, Barrister Osamwonyi Osagiede.