By Kevin Okunzuwa
The Palace of the Oba of Benin is a revered institution, symbolising comfort, refuge, and justice for the people of Benin. The Oba’s words are considered law, and the Benin people hold the stool with great respect and trepidation.
The palace is not only a physical structure but also a representation of the monarch’s authority and the people’s trust.
Upon ascending to the throne, Oba Ewuare II, endowed with ancient wisdom and paternal foresight, established various committees to support the Palace in its delicate and sensitive daily tasks.
Hence, the Oba’s inaugural speech emphasised the importance of resolving conflicts based on social justice principles.
The palace’s significance extends beyond its role in conflict resolution. It is a symbol of the Benin Kingdom’s rich history and culture, with its intricate architecture and ornate decorations.
The palace has undergone transformations over the centuries, with various Obas leaving their mark on its structure and design.
The Benin Kingdom’s traditional system relies heavily on respected Chiefs appointed to committees that support the Oba in day-to-day Palace functions, aiming for a peaceful and united kingdom.
However, it appears that one of these committees has fallen short of expectations, causing pain and disillusionment among those who have interacted with it.
One of such committees is the Conflict Resolution Committee.
Instead of upholding due diligence, credibility, and best practices, the committee’s actions have allegedly compromised justice, leading to widespread protests and petitions from individuals, families, and communities.
This has resulted in a loss of confidence in the palace, undermining the vision of a united Benin Kingdom.
To restore confidence and trust, it’s essential to address the committee’s shortcomings and ensure that justice is served in a fair and transparent manner.
This might involve reconstituting the committee with new members who embody the values of integrity, fairness, and accountability.
Despite these controversies, many individuals and communities who have had personal encounters with the Monarch, particularly those who have sought justice at the traditional court (Egua’ maton), continue to hold the Oba in high esteem, revering his majestic presence and unwavering commitment to truth and fairness.
Restoring confidence in the Palace’s committee members therefore requires a multifaceted approach.
The need for the reconstitution of the committee with time-tested, morally upright palace chiefs and respected in society is essential to ensure that justice is served based on social justice principles.
There should be a transparent decision-making process by the committee, and that all stakeholders are informed about the outcomes.
That there should be accountability in the committee’s mechanisms to prevent future compromises and ensure that committee members are held responsible for their actions rather than bring the reputation of the revered palace to disrepute.
Furthermore, there should be community engagement to foster community engagement and participation in the committee’s activities to rebuild trust and confidence.
The Igue ceremony, a significant event in the Benin Kingdom, presents an opportune moment for Oba Ewuare II to usher in a fresh era of growth and development for the Benin people.
The people’s expectation is that the Oba will reconstitute the committee with morally upright palace chiefs and respected individuals in society, thereby restoring confidence in the palace and ensuring justice is served based on social justice principles ¹.
This move is crucial, as the Palace of the Oba of Benin holds immense cultural, historical, and symbolic value, making it a revered institution among the Benin people.
The Oba’s leadership during the Igue ceremony, which includes the Ugie’Ewere ceremony on December 30, 2024, where the Royal Father will proclaim blessings, is eagerly anticipated.
By taking this step, Oba Ewuare II will not only be fulfilling the people’s wishes but also upholding the rich traditions and values of the Benin Kingdom.
As the 40th Oba of the Oromiyan-Eweka dynasty, Oba Ewuare II has a unique opportunity to leave a lasting legacy and cement his place in the annals of Benin history.
Kevin Okunzuwa, is a Nigerian Journalist, who currently resides in Lagos.
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