It's a Taboo to Crown Agadagba of Egbema Kingdom - Group

By Lucky Isibor

A Benin socio-cultural group, the Coalition of Benin Socio-cultural Organisations have condemned in very strong terms the alleged crowning of one Meshach Ubabiri as the Agadagba of Egbema Kingdom within the boundaries of Benin kingdom, describing the purported action as provocative, against the laws of Edo State and an invitation to break down of law and order. 

The group made the condemnation Saturday, 26 November at a press briefing in Benin City. The press statement which was signed by Osazee Amas Edobor, Mr Iyamu Osaro Culture, Maxist Kola Edokpayi, Coordinator General, Secretary and Public Relations Officer respectively and eight others on behalf of the coalition tasked the Governor Godwin Obaseki led Edo State government to take decisive actions against those involved in the alleged crowning of the said Agadagba of Egbema Kingdom.

According to the statement, "We are here today to notify you on some nefarious, treacherous and sacrilegious activities of some persons claiming to be Ijaws in Edo land. These group of people are claiming to have "crowned" one Meshach Ubabiri as  Agadagba of Egbema kingdom in Benin kingdom. We view this act to be provocative to the Benins in all intents and purposes as it is against our laws, traditions and custom in Edo state. We hereby condemn the activities of these people and warned that they desist from further provocative acts.

"Let it be categorically stated and known to all men that there is no such place as Egbema kingdom in Edo state and there is only one king and throne in Benin Kingdom known to our laws, customs and tradition. It is the throne of the Omo N'Oba N'Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo,the Oba of Benin Kingdom. The occupant of that throne today is the well read, unrivalled ,most revered and universally acclaimed King, Oba Ewuare 11, the Ogidigan, the Oba of Benin Kingdom seated on the throne of his fore-fathers long established before the Whites or Westerners ever had contacts with the black race."

While reinterating that the Benins are peaceful and hospitable host, which they said is responsible for the presence of all the ethnic groups in Nigeria in Benin, the group warned those fanning the embers of war to remember that they're warriors too.

"We the Benins are very tolerant and hospitable people ,hence our land is host to almost all the tribes in Nigeria but let it be known to all men that we are also warriors. We have fought and won countless wars.

And for mischief makers like those claiming to be Ijaws and crowning one clown trying to abuse this priviledge and take undue advantage of our kindness and hospitality, we will not fail to remind them that we are the Landlords and they are tenants in our land. And we will return them to the obscurity they belong if we are further provoked. The true Ijaws know their place and they have always serve and identified with The Benin throne.

"Before anarchy and destruction descend on these misguided elements, we call on the Federal, State Government and all Security Agencies to bring these people to book for abusing our laws. We are not a lawless society. We also call on well meaning Nigerians and true Ijaws to rise in condemnation of this despicable act.

"It is worrisome that under the government of Godwin Obaseki, every drunken Dick, Tom and Harry are waking up and claiming to be king. Why is this so ? We want the government of Godwin Obaseki as a matter of urgency to take decisive action to prove her innocence in these ugly developments."