Oba of Benin suspends Enogie over breach of tradition

The Benin Traditional Council has suspend the Enogie of Evbuomoma village, Chief Stephen Ohangbon, as well as Odionwere, Mr. Omorogieva Effionayi for alleged breaching of traditional norms and disrespecting emissaries of the Oba of Benin to his village on assignment.

A statement signed by the BTC Secretary, Frank Irabor, said several reports had been registered in the Palace against the Enogie over alleged harassing, manhandling and intimidating Oba emissaries to his domain.

“Recently, Oba Ewuare sent Chief Izuwako,Chief Aghamioba, Chief Obadolagbonyi and Ohen Igire, to Chief Ohangbon but instead of receiving them after a long waiting he brushed them aside with the excuse he was going out,” the statement said, adding that the Chiefs sensing the hostile and life threatening atmosphere by some youths that suddenly came out of the bushes acting like the banned community development association members, they had to abandon their assignment for safety of their lives.

The statement said the Enogie was invited to the Palace to defend himself but did not deny the incidents reported by the Oba emissaries.

“Consequently, the Chiefs made a recommendation to the Oba of Benin for the suspension of the Enogie of Evbuomoma, Chief Stephen Ohangbon and the Odionwere, Mr. Omorogieva Effionayi that are jointly involved in the unacceptable behaviour and was approved by Oba Ewuare,” it said.