The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has been advised to prevent the escalation of the raging crisis in Benin Kingdom caused by the suspension of the Enogie of Ehor and other Enogies.

The eminent traditional ruler was also charged to lift the suspension slammed on the Enogie and the Enigies by the Benin Traditional Council (TRC).

Prominent cleric and Presiding Bishop of Macedonia Call Global Assembly, Dr. Osaren Emokpae, who made the plea called on the Benin monarch to immediately revisit the suspension of the chiefs in the interest of peace and stability of the kingdom.

His call came as the people of Igbanke community in Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo South rejected the TRC’s directive that their traditional ruler hand over to the Odionwere, an appointee of the Oba.

The community said its Ndi-Ezes (rulers) were not appointed by the Oba of Benin, adding that, “Our kings are born and inherit the kingship from our fathers. We reject handover kings.”

In a statement, Dr. Emokpae, who is a descendant of Ohon in Benin Kingdom, urged the Oba of Benin to lift the suspension of the Enogie of Ehor and other Enigies to stem the total collapse of the Benin Kingdom.

The cleric in a recent message recalled that the Igbanke are already calling the bluff of the Benin monarch while others are preparing to do so. “It is in the enlightened self-interest of the Oba of Benin to immediately reverse his current path.”

Citing biblical scriptures, the cleric said: “It is the omnipotent God that appoints kings and removes them. He gives wisdom to the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding.

“The Oba Ewuare 11 of Benin, who is my cousin, is so loved by our family and our desire is that the little left of the Benin Kingdom would not collapse in his time.”

Emokpae further counselled leaders to be wise, and remember that life is like a vapour that can vanish any time, stressing that they should in the short time they live on earth do everything to be remembered as instruments for good rather than that of evil and wickedness.

He prayed to God to grant the Oba good health and wisdom at a time like this.

On their part, the people of Igbanke in an open letter to the Benin monarch through Igbanke Strategic Group and signed by Chief Jude Ugbekile and nine others, they said four of their traditional rulers had received unsettling letters from envoys representing the Oba of Benin.

The group said in the envoys’ letters, the Oba of Benin reportedly ordered the incumbent traditional ruler to relinquish his office and hand over to the appointed successor, the Odionwere.

Penultimate week, the Oba’s palace announced the suspension of 67 Enigies from across the Benin Kingdom.

But, the Igbanke community asserted that the Oba’s decision was not only an affront to their identity but also a blatant attempt to desecrate their rich cultural heritage.

They said the process for kingship succession within Igbanke is based on a patrilineal inheritance, father to son, rather than the appointment system of the Oba of Benin.

The group urged Governor Monday Okpebholo to intervene in the matter, emphasising the importance of ensuring justice according to the four pillars of the UN Charter on Human Rights. (Daily Sun, but headline rejigged)