Suspended dukes beg Oba of Benin for forgiveness over misconduct

Scores of Enigie (Dukes) in the Benin Kingdom suspended by the Benin Traditional Council (BTC), on Wednesday, appealed to the Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II, and the traditional institution for forgiveness over alleged misconduct.

The BTC had suspended 67 Enigie (Dukes) in Benin Kingdom over alleged misconduct and rebellious activities by the affected Enigie against the Oba of Benin.

The affected Enigies led by Victor Oguigo, suspended Enogie of Ugoniyekeikpoba spoke with newsmen in Benin following a passionate appeal for forgiveness to the Benin Monarch.

They denied subscribing to an oath not to pay allegiance to the Oba of Benin.

The Enigies also appealed to the Benin Monarch to temper justice with mercy and forgive all of them.

“Your Majesty, it is often said that it will be suicidal for one to wrestle with his personal God, which you represent in our individual lives,” Oguigo said.

“We are therefore appealing most passionately for your Majesty to have compassion and forgiveness for all our shortcomings.

“Umogun ghato okpere, as our father, it is often said that the hand you use to beat a child is the same hand you use to draw him close to yourself.

“We at no time swore to any oath not to visit the palace of the Oba of Benin or answer to any summon or invitation by your Royal Majesty. We have neither sworn to any other oath that we will not participate in any activities of His Royal Majesty and the Palace of the Oba of Benin nor sworn to any oath not to pay traditional homage to the Oba of Benin.

“Your Majesty Sir, we humbly appeal to your Majesty to temper justice with mercy and forgive us all.”