A group, the Concerned People of Benin Nation (CPBN), has issued a seven-day deadline for Edo State’s Governor Godwin Obaseki to apologise to the Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo Oba Ewuare, over an alleged “sacrilegious disrespect” to the throne and the kingdom.
CPBN said the apology must be published in no fewer than three national newspapers.
Relations between the Oba and the Governor became frosty over certain issues that the group highlighted, especially about who, between the state government and the palace, should be the custodian of ancient artifacts returned by the UK.
Also, they fell out over an ongoing suit between the monarch and some of his chiefs reportedly having the backing of Obaseki.
The group gave the condition in a Press statement on Tuesday read by Prof. Amen Uhunmwangho which he signed along others including (Dr) Jacob Abusomwan, Barr. Osarenkhoe, Leftist Agho Omobude, Mr. Iyamu Osaro Culture, Comrade Eseosa Omoregbee, Chief Omuemu Etinosa, Chief Friday Omoragbon, Rev Osamuyimen Isibor.
The apology is one of the series of grievances the group is demanding immediate action for based on their claims of serious wrongs they accused the Governor of committing against the Benin Kingdom and its people.
In addition, the Governor should initiate the payment of salaries and allowances to 14 Edo State House of Assembly members who denied their seats for four years.
According to CPBN, Obaseki must also halt the ongoing construction of a museum for repatriated Benin artefacts, which they claimed was being built without the Oba’s approval.
Additionally, they called for the withdrawal of lawsuits allegedly filed by certain Enigie against the Omo N’Oba and the reallocation of landed property whose Certificates of Occupancy were revoked by the Governor, affecting prominent individuals including Pst. Osagie Ize-Iyamu and Captain Hosa Okunbor.
Furthermore, the CPBN demanded the return of communal lands it claimed were illegally acquired by the state government.
