A group of suspended Enigie (Dukes) from the Benin Kingdom have publicly appealed to the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, seeking clemency and a return to their positions within the traditional hierarchy.
The appeal comes nearly a year after their suspension on March 7, 2025, which the Benin Traditional Council attributed to alleged anti-palace activities and rebellious conduct against the Oba.
The plea for forgiveness was formalized in a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by Victor Etinosa Oguigo of the Ugoniyekikpoba Dukedom, representing some of the 67 Enigie initially suspended.
“It would be suicidal for one to wrestle with his personal God, whom the Oba represents in our individual lives,” Oguigo stated in the release, emphasizing the deep respect and reverence the Enigie holds for the Oba.
The mass suspension, approved by Oba Ewuare II, impacted Enigie across seven local government areas within the Benin Kingdom. Frank Irabor, secretary to the Benin Traditional Council, formally announced the suspensions at the time. The Edo State Government subsequently ratified the decision, overriding prior executive orders issued by former Governor Godwin Obaseki with a single executive order aimed at maintaining order within the state’s traditional framework.
At the time of the suspensions, Edo State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Paul Ohonbamu, characterized the actions of the Enigie as a “Cultural Coup d’état,” alleging that they had challenged the authority of the Oba.
However, the Enigie appealing for clemency have consistently denied any wrongdoing. “We categorically state that at no time did any of the Enigie swear an oath not to pay allegiance to Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, CFR, Oba of Benin,” they asserted.
The statement conveyed the Enigie’s assurance to the Oba that they had never sworn any oaths against him or the palace. They reiterated their commitment to fulfilling their traditional duties and obligations, expressing a strong desire to resume their roles within the Benin Kingdom.
“We, therefore, appeal most passionately for Your Majesty to show compassion and forgive any or all of our shortcomings,” the statement read. “As our father, it is often said that ‘the hand used to discipline a child is the same hand that draws him close.”
The Enigie concluded their appeal with a direct plea to the Oba: “Your Majesty, we humbly appeal to you to temper justice with mercy and forgive us all. We are prepared and willing to appear before Your Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, at your invitation.”
The Oba of Benin has yet to respond publicly to the Enigie’s plea. The resolution of this situation will likely have significant implications for the structure and stability of the Benin Kingdom’s traditional governance.
