Oba of Benin Installs New Chiefs, Asserts Traditional Authority
The Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty Oba Ewuare II, has appointed new chiefs to oversee key dukedoms in Edo State following the suspension of several traditional rulers accused of disloyalty and misconduct.
Among the newly appointed leaders is Chief Emmanuel Iyase, who will serve as the Okao Eguae (District Head) of the Ologbo and Ehor territories.
The installation ceremony took place at the Oba’s palace during a thanksgiving event known as Ekpomwen-abor.
Chief Iyase, a respected palace functionary, becomes the first individual directly appointed from the royal palace to lead multiple dukedoms.
His appointment comes in the wake of the indefinite suspension of over 69 Enigie (dukes), including the former heads of Ologbo and Ehor, Prince Owen Jackson Akenzua and Chief D. E. Igiehon.
The suspended chiefs were accused of engaging in rebellious acts and anti-palace activities deemed detrimental to the integrity of the Benin monarchy.
During the ceremony, Oba Ewuare II reaffirmed his commitment to preserving the values and hierarchy of the Benin Kingdom, warning that acts of defiance and indiscipline would not be tolerated under his reign.
The monarch stressed that all chiefs and palace functionaries must remain loyal to the throne and adhere to traditional protocols passed down through generations.
Chief Iyase, in his acceptance remarks, pledged unwavering loyalty to the Oba and promised to uphold the ethical standards and cultural responsibilities expected of his office.
He also vowed to work closely with local elders and village heads to promote development and unity within the affected territories.
In a related move, the Oba reassigned the Enogie of Iguogie, Festus Osagiede Aiyeki, to administer the Evbolekpen Dukedom, which had been left without leadership after its own duke was suspended.
The palace stated that these appointments were necessary to restore order and maintain the authority of the traditional institution across the kingdom.
The decision to suspend and replace the Enigie has stirred discussions across Edo State. While many citizens and traditional observers have praised the Oba’s decisive leadership, others have called for further dialogue and reconciliation with the affected chiefs.
Nonetheless, the appointments mark a significant moment in the history of the Benin Kingdom, as the palace seeks to reinforce its authority and ensure the continued stability of one of Africa’s oldest and most revered monarchies.
