The Benin Traditional Council (BTC) has suspended Chief Sunny Sidney Enoma, widely known as Enoma Igbinesigie, from his position as the Ohen-Ovia (Ovia Chief Priest) of Unuamen in Ovia North-East, after he allegedly made claims deemed offensive to the kingdom’s sacred traditional order.
In a statement dated 5 December 2025 and referenced BTC.A40/VOL.LVI/141, the Council said His Royal Majesty, Omo N’ Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, Oba of Benin, approved the suspension following what it called the chief’s “unbecoming attitude that undermines Benin customs and traditions.”
The update was issued by Osiagbovo Iguobaro, Chief Press Secretary to the Oba.
At the centre of the controversy is Enoma’s assertion that he holds the authority to install the Okao of Unuamen, an act the BTC described as “baseless, unfounded and an abomination” against the long-established order of the kingdom. The Council stressed that all chieftaincy titles in Benin emanate solely from the Oba of Benin, and warned the public to disregard any contrary claims.
Reaffirming the Palace’s exclusive authority in traditional appointments, the BTC confirmed Chief Kingsley N. Igbinosa as the legitimate Okao (traditional head) of Unuamen. It urged residents, community leaders and the wider public to respect the royal pronouncement and maintain harmony within the kingdom.
The Council reiterated the unwavering commitment of His Royal Majesty to safeguarding the sanctity of Benin customs and preserving the integrity of the traditional institution—values it said must not be compromised by acts of defiance or misrepresentation.
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