The family specifically described as disrespectful the alleged open
castigation of the Esogban by the Eson of Benin Kingdom, Chief Amos
Osunbor, who declared that the Binis will vote for President Jonathan,
saying the Eson’s action was against the rules of the palace since his
rank comes after that of the Esogban in the hierarchy of the palace
chiefs.
Speaking through the Enogie of Obazuwa and younger brother of the Oba
of Benin, Prince Edun Akenzua, the royal family also punctured the claim
by Chief Nosakhare Isekhure, the Isekhure of Benin Kingdom, who had
stated that the Oba had endorsed President Jonathan through the Crown
Prince of Benin Kingdom last year in Abuja.
Pointing out that Isekhure gave the impression that he was the Oba’s
spokesman, Prince Akennzua added: “It must be said that the Oba does
not, I repeat, does not endorse any politician.
“They all visit him to seek his support and blessings. The Oba mandates
the senior chief at the court during the visit to say a prayer. That
prayer is stereotyped that God may give to Benin and Nigeria the person
who will develop our land and make it possible for citizens to put three
square meals on their tables.”
Against this backdrop, he hinted that Chief Osunbor might be court
marshalled according to palace rules over his comment, explaining that:
“The disturbing aspect of the whole saga is the indiscipline and
disloyalty to the Benin course and our revered institution.”
In order to comprehend the gravity and implication of Eson’s act, the
Enogie of Obozuwa explained briefly the organogram of the Benin
chieftaincy.
According to him, “Palace or Royal Chiefs belong mainly to three
groups, namely: Eghaevbo n’ore, Eghaevbo n’Ogbe and Ibiwe. Iyase is the
head of Eghaevbo n’orhe. Esogban, Eson and Osuma belong to the same
group and are in that order of seniority. That means Eson is next to
Esogban in the hierarchy of that group.
“Both Esogban, Eson and Isekhure can exercise their freedom of speech,
but that freedom of speech does not extend to a chief or member of the
royal court to publicly and derisively criticise his colleague, more so,
a senior one. In the military or any other force, the erring person
would be court marshalled,” he declared.
Besides, the royal family also carpeted members of the President
Jonathan’s campaign organisation in the state led by Pastor Osagie
Ize-Iyamu for alleged attempt to desecrate the Holy Aruosa Cathedral
where the Oba worships, accusing them of taking their campaigns to the
church.
“It is even more so when the leader or the coordinator is a Pastor of
the Redeemed Christian Church of God,” the crown prince said.
From thisday
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