From Staff Writer
A planned protest by the suspended Enogie of Evbolekpen Dukedom, His Highness Ebabulele Obanosa, has been rejected by youths of the Evbolekpen Community in Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State.
Obanosa, who was among 71 Enigie (Dukes) suspended indefinitely by the Oba of Benin, Omo N’ Oba N’ Edo Uku Akpolokpolo Ewuare II, CFR, had called on the youths to join him in a peaceful demonstration to the Oba’s Palace in Benin City to seek royal pardon. However, sources within the community confirmed to Uptown Press on Saturday that most youths rebuffed the appeal.
The suspension of Obanosa and his counterparts stems from allegations of rebellion against the revered Benin monarchy during the tenure of former Governor Godwin Obaseki. In response to the leadership vacuum created by Obanosa’s suspension, Oba Ewuare II has mandated the Enogie of Iguogie Dukedom, Chief Festus Osagie Aiyeki, to oversee the affairs of Evbolekpen Dukedom. This directive extends Aiyeki’s oversight to include other nearby communities such as Iguogie, Okhonmwenre, Igue-Otor, Igue-Edobor, and Evboro villages.
The monarch’s directive was formally conveyed by Chief Stanley Obamwonyi, the Esere of Benin, during a meeting at the Oba’s Palace. The gathering, which included Evbolekpen village elders, was also a call for cooperation, with the elders instructed to work harmoniously with Chief Aiyeki in administering the affairs of the community.
Despite returning recently from a trip to the United Kingdom, Obanosa’s attempt to mobilise the youth for a protest failed to gain traction. “Most of the youths he reached out to turned down his request,” a community source who spoke on condition of anonymity said. The source further revealed that the embattled traditional ruler has since distanced himself from the Ogua’edion, the chamber of Evbolekpen elders, following his suspension.
The Oba of Benin, known for his firm stance on upholding the traditions and unity of the Benin Kingdom, has continued to stress the importance of loyalty among traditional leaders. The decision to suspend the Enigie, according to palace insiders, is part of a broader effort to maintain order and discipline within the royal institution.
While the suspended Enogie is reportedly seeking a path to redemption, the rejection of his protest call by the youth is seen as a significant sign of allegiance to the authority of the Oba and a rejection of actions deemed disrespectful to the throne.
As of the time of filing this report, no date has been fixed for the proposed protest, and community leaders are said to be prioritising reconciliation and stability in line with the Oba’s directive.
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