Traditional Council Kicks against Planned Crowning Ceremony in Edo

[Oyedibu Fikayo Odunayo]

Traditional Council Kicks against Planned Crowning Ceremony in Edo
Adibe Emenyonu in Benin-city

The Benin Traditional Council (BTC) has vehemently kicked against the purported crowning of one Alhaji Danjuma Garba Binkola as “Garkuwan Hausawa” in Benin-city, Edo State.

A statement signed by the Iyase of Benin Kingdom, Chief Sam Igbe, on behalf of the BTC and made available to journalists in Benin-city, said such purported plan violates the Benin Tradition and Customary Law applicable to Chieftaincy Matters and must not be allowed to hold in the state.

According to the Iyase, “It has come to the notice of the Benin Traditional Council (BTC) that an individual claiming to be known as “His Royal Highness Alhaji Adamu Isa Adamu and who describes himself as ‘Sarkin Hausawa’ plans to perform a turbaning ceremony in which one Alhaji Danjuma Garba Binkola will be installed as “Garkuwan Hausawa Benin” on May 5, 2024, at No. 7 Butcher Street, off Mission Road, Benin-city.

“The BTC hereby informs the Nigerian Police Force and other security agencies as well as the public that this planned event is a violation of Benin Tradition and Customary Law applicable to chieftaincy matters, and therefore, must not hold under any circumstances.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the BTC wishes to emphasise that as the prescribed authority on chieftaincy matters, the Omo N’ Oba N’ Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, His Royal Majesty, Ewuare II, Oba of Benin, has not given consent to or approved the turbaning or conferment of chieftaincy title by whatever name called on any individual by name ‘Alhaji Danjuma Garba Binkola’ or permitted any person by the name ‘His Royal Highness Alh. Adamu Isa Adamu’ to hold any such ceremony in Benin-city or any other part of Edo South senatorial district in Edo State.”

The BTC consequently urged them to refrain from violating the sanctity of the Benin Traditional and Customary Law by cancelling the planned ceremony forthwith.