The Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II, has reacted to claims that he ordered the humiliation and banishment of one of the Benin chiefs.
Recall that a video had emerged and gone viral online showing some chiefs in the kingdom forcing a half naked man identified as one of them out of the palace for alleged sacrilege and disrespect.
News source, Dailypost, however reports that the Oba has ordered an investigation into the alleged manhandling of the elderly man.
According to a statement released by the Chief Press Secretary of the traditional ruler, Desmond Agbama, the Oba denied and dismissed claims that the man was a Benin chief.
The statement further disclosed that the elderly man was found in possession of some “abominable objects,” although the Oba never ordered him to be manhandled.
The statement reads: “For the avoidance of doubt, the man in question is not a chief in Benin Kingdom as has been ascribed to him.
“The man came to the palace in the company of those who had issues to resolve at the palace but he violated the norms of the Benin custom and tradition and was found carrying on his person abominable objects forbidden by Benin custom and tradition,” the statement read in part.
“At no time did the Oba order the man to be manhandled.
“The persons who escorted the man out of the palace may have over-reached themselves in their efforts to protect the tradition and culture of the Benin people and the sanctity of the palace. However, the Oba of Benin has ordered a full investigation into the incident.”
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