The Oba of Benin has clarified that Okaigheles (Youth leaders) across the seven Local Government Areas of Edo State represents a segment of the aged-long Benin traditional administrative structure and should not be ban.
This was inline with the recent pronouncement made by the Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki, as a result of security crisis in Edo State, placed a ban on activities of Okaigheles in Benin
Chief Osaro Idah, the Obazelu of Benin who stated this while addressing protesting Edo South Okaigheles who sought the palace's intervention.
He assured them that the Palace will dialogue with the government over the contentious issue, and charged the Okaigheles to maintain peace and order in their domains.
Chief Idah, Chief Oghafua Oyeoba, the Oyeoba of Benin and Chief Uyi Okungbowa, the Ogua of Benin, said the Palace would not shield any individual caught in nefarious activities.
According to them, Okaighele is a long age Benin tradition. Which started Centuries ago , As age grades, and senior sons, While Odionwere known as village head is appointed by the Oba, Okaighele assist the Odionwere in the daily administration of the domain on daily basis.
"They added that cannot be banned by fiat explaining that Okaighele, belongs to the Benin ancestors. Promiseing to inform the appropriate authorities about your concerns.
While also advising them against any form of violence or attack on anyone or group of persons in Communities and that anyone caught, Palace will not hesitate support government to prosecute such person or group of person.
Earlier, Comrade Rowland Ogbomo who spoke on behalf of the aggrieved youths and Odionweres (village heads) in Edo South Senatorial District, said that Okaighele is a creation of the Palace.
He said they were surprised over the announcement by the Governor and appealed to Omo N' Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, Oba of Benin to urgently intervention
According to him, "We are here in respect of the recent ban on Okaigheles by the Governor and we are appealing to our Royal father to intervene and rescue us. We are not cultists".
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