His Royal Majesty, Omo N’ Oba N’ Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, has emphasised the urgent need for Nigerians to truly understand who a traditional ruler is before agitating for constitutional roles for traditional rulers.
Speaking during a recent media parley with Edo State journalists at the historic Benin Palace in Benin Kingdom, the Oba stressed that the Benin royal family remains committed to preserving the sanctity of the traditional institution in Nigeria.
The Oba of Benin said, “There has been a lot of clamour for constitutional roles for traditional rulers in Nigeria. I did an extensive paper on the subject, which my lawyer submitted to the constitutional review committee. Those entrusted with defining these roles must first understand who traditional rulers truly are.”
Oba Ewuare II noted that the misuse of the title monarch in the media has contributed to public confusion. He said, “Sometimes you see headlines like ‘Monarch Arrested, Detained’ or ‘A Monarch Arraigned’ and you wonder if the writers understand who a monarch really is. There must be clarity about this before assigning any constitutional roles.”
The Oba of Benin decried the increasing number of self-proclaimed monarchs, recalling a personal encounter where someone once boasted about being crowned Oba of his street. He explained that such misuse undermines the credibility of the Benin monarchy and the traditional leadership system in Nigeria.
He also addressed recent controversies like the suspension of 71 Enigies in the Benin Kingdom, pointing out that some individuals attempted to falsely claim new identities outside Edo South to evade consequences. “Some of these Enigies now claim they are from Igbanke and no longer from Edo South. But their names and origins clearly show they are Benin,” he stated.
On a positive note, the Oba appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State for their significant roles in securing the return of Benin artifacts. He recalled performing a ceremonial royal dance to honour his grandfather and ancestors when the artifacts were returned.
The revered monarch reaffirmed his dedication to resolving internal issues and upholding the dignity of the Benin royal family and the traditional institution in Edo State.
