The Concerned People of Benin Nation (CPBN) has called for a public apology from Governor Godwin Obaseki to Oba Ewuare II, the Oba of Benin, for what they describe as "sacrilegious disrespect" towards the Benin Kingdom's revered throne.
At a news conference in Benin on Tuesday, the group demanded that Governor Obaseki issue a written apology to be published in at least three national newspapers within the next seven days. Prof. Amen Uhunmwangho, the leader of CPBN, stated that the apology must be made public to address the alleged affront to the Benin traditional authority.
In addition to the apology, CPBN is urging an immediate halt to the construction of a museum dedicated to repatriated Benin artefacts. They argue that the project is underway without the consent of the Benin traditional ruler.
The group also called for the withdrawal of lawsuits filed by certain Enigie (local chiefs) against the Omo N’Oba and the return of lands and properties whose certificates of occupancy were revoked by the governor. This action, they claim, has negatively impacted prominent individuals, including Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu and Captain Hosa Okunbor.
CPBN is demanding the return of communal lands that they allege were illegally acquired by the state government, as well as the payment of outstanding salaries. Furthermore, they are insisting that the allowances for the 14 Edo State House of Assembly members, who have been reportedly denied their seats for four years, be paid.
The group’s demands reflect growing tensions between the state government and traditional institutions in the region.
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