Yesterday, some young people in Edo State protested outside the Obaseki family home over what they claimed was ongoing disrespect for the Oba of Benin.
According to Saturday PUNCH, the protesters, who held signs and performed in Bini, remained at the site for about an hour before releasing a unified statement cautioning against any acts that would compromise the Benin royal palace’s holiness.
Today, media were given access to a joint statement signed by the president of Aiguobasinmwin Movement Worldwide, Iyamu Osaro, also known as Culture and Coordinator, Otedo Youth Union, Uwadiae Iyoha.
The pair added in the statement, “Public Warning and Call for Accountability,” that the offensive remarks made by the former governor and his supporters forced them to stage the demonstration and issue the statement.
The group stated that they would not allow the revered royal palace to be made fun of or the subject of mockery, pointing out that the Obaseki family had a news conference to denounce Dr. Pedro Obaseki’s harassment but had never warned their relatives when they were disrespecting the Oba.
According to the statement, “Today, we, the concerned youths and stakeholders of Edo State, are compelled to embark on this warning walk and issue this statement of facts to properly situate the issues before the public, due to the persistent misdemeanors, reckless utterances, and sustained provocations by Godwin Obaseki, and his close associate, on the Oba of Benin.”
The Edo people, who will always be devoted to the throne, hold the Oba of Benin’s palace in high regard. Additionally, the Bini people have always operated in compliance with established constitutional rules and have been peaceful and caring.
But we won’t stand by and let some mediocre, whether in person or online, make fun of our hallowed royal castle; we will always be outraged at those who do so.
According to the group, the former governor ought to return to the state and provide clarification on controversial matters that have been associated with him.
The teens claimed that the Obaseki family’s long silence up to this point demonstrated that “moral authority cannot be selectively invoked only when consequences arise” when posing questions.
Although we oppose all forms of violence, the group went on to say, “We have repeatedly warned those who have a habit of hurling tantrums at the magnificent Benin Royal Palace to stop.”
“We maintain that words and deeds have repercussions, and individuals who have had or currently occupy positions must be ready to be held legally and civilly accountable. We have no mercy for anyone or any group of people who are ordered to disrespect our God-given throne by Obaseki and his associates.
Therefore, we advise against selective indignation, false information, or efforts to frighten Edo people for voicing justifiable complaints. No one should be unfairly harassed or used as a scapegoat.
It should be mentioned that we are innately inclined to safeguard our rich cultural history, traditions, and customs. The Edo people will be furious if anyone makes the mistake of disparaging the guardian of our rich culture, traditions, legacy, and customs.
“Lastly, rather than issuing more threats, we want to implore the Obaseki family to reaffirm their allegiance to the throne and call on their sons to make amends.”
Remember that the location of the Museum of West African Arts has been a point of contention between the prior governor and the Oba of Benin.
As previously reported, Dr. Pedro Obaseki, a relative of Godwin Obaseki, the immediate past governor, was stripped in Benin last Sunday.
Obaseki was attacked at Uwa Primary School, where he went to play football, according to a video that went viral online. After being undressed, he was brought to the palace and forced to kneel at the gate of Oba Palace.
The royal guards were informed by the suspected thugs that they had brought in one of Oba’s Oghions, or enemies.
On Wednesday, however, the Benin Traditional Council said that the Oba of Benin did not approve of the abuse and intimidation of Dr. Pedro Obaseki by alleged thugs.
The Oba cannot authorize such since it is not in the character of the monarch to do so, according to a statement signed by Frank Irabor, the BTC Secretary.
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