By Imelda Osayande
Seven rebellious Enigie (Dukes) who plotted to divide the Benin Kingdom have been pardoned by Oba Ewuare II after they dropped their agitations and voluntarily pledged their allegiance to the great Benin throne.
The seven Dukes had signed a letter in November, 2022, asking the Edo State government to create a parallel Benin Traditional Rulers Council (BTC) for the seven Benin-speaking Local Government Areas, which make up Edo South Senatorial district.
However, the Dukes pledged their allegiance to Benin throne on Sunday following the failure of the coup to balkanize Benin Kingdom, Iguobaro Osaigbovo, Chief Press Secretary to Oba to Benin, Oba Ewuare II said in a statement.
He said the Dukes claimed to they were misled in signing the purported letter in November, 2022, requesting the Edo State government to balkanize the Benin Kingdom.
He added that in line with his fatherly disposition, Ewuare II has accepted the apology of the Dukes and extended a hand of fellowship to them in the distribution of foodstuffs.
The repentant Dukes were identified as HRH Sylvester Ogiesoba, the Enogie of Ogua village, and HRH Imagbenikaro Ekhosuehi, the Enogie of Oka N’ Izevbihen, both in Ikpoba-Okha local government area of the state.
The others are speaking, HRH Orobosa Agbongiazowe, the Enogie of Isievbe village, and HRH Usuanlele Iyengumena, the Enogie of Uma village, both in Uhunmwode Local government Area of Edo State.
In an interview with journalists, they thanked Oba Ewuare II for the gesture.
They also appreciated the Oba for the foodstuffs and prayed God and the ancestors to bless him.
Speaking on behalf of the traditional rulers, the Enogie of Ehor village, HRH Ehigiamusoe Igiehon, his counterpart in Ihovbo village, both in Uhunmwode local government area, thanked the Oba of Benin for his kind gesture.
Among others who also benefited from Oba’s kind gesture were the Priests of deities of various categories, including, Ohen-Awan of Ivbiotor village, Mr Egharevba Igbinehi; Ohen of Ikhuen-Obo, Mr Ekpen Aighobahi, and Ohen Ovia of Unuamen N’ Igbinesigie, as well as Ohen Iye-Ewuare, Asenogua N’ Ohan-Obamumwen in Amufi village. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
