House of Representatives member, Dennis Idahosa (APC, Edo), has warned the people of Benin never to allow their emotions to be exploited by those with ulterior motives to bring the palace of Oba of Benin into disrepute.
Idahosa gave the warning via a statement he signed yesterday in Benin, a copy of which was made available to the News Agency of Nigeria.
The statement followed a lawsuit filed by some enegies (dukes) in Benin, challenging their suspension from office by the monarch.
They argued that it was only the state governor that had the power to remove them from office, if found wanting of any offence.
In the suit marked B/250OS/2023, they claimed that their appointments as traditional chiefs enjoyed the recognition of Edo State Government as provided for in Section 25(2) of the Traditional Rulers and Chiefs Law.
But Idahosa, in his reaction, called on the subjects of Oba Ewaure II to remain calm and compose themselves.
He said: “Those, who wish to undermine the Oba and the Benin Kingdom have tried and failed in their previous attempts and now they have resorted to dragging the Oba to court, using some disgruntled members of the enegies.”
“Such attempts”, the federal lawmaker said: “would not succeed, as the Oba was loved and respected by his people, and is under divine protection.”
The lawmaker noted that the traditional institution was an important part of the culture and history of the state, and must be preserved and protected.
He sued for unity among the people of the Benin Kingdom and urged them to stand together in support of their traditional institutions and values.(LEAD)
