Gelegele: Edo traditional rulers back Oba of Benin, Ewuare 11

By Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Benin

Traditional rulers in Edo north and central senatorial districts of Edo state have backed the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II as the paramount traditional ruler in Edo state.
Their declaration was in response to the recent installation of one Godwin Ogunyebo as the Pere of Olodiama clan, in breach of a Supreme Court ruling which affirmed the Oba of Benin as the supreme authority of the area.
They said the self acclaimed Pere which has no place in the 1979 Edo laws of Traditional Rulers and Chieftain Affairs as applicable to Edo state.
The traditional rulers gave the indication at the palace in Benin City.
Vice chairman, Edo state Council of Traditional Rulers and Chiefs, HRH Aidonojie Ehidiamen (I), the Onojie of Opuji,however, challenged the Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson and his Delta state counterpart, Sen. Ifeanyi Okowa to advise their subject not to fish in troubled water.
“There is no other kingdom in Edo south senatorial district of Edo state. The Oba of Benin is the paramount ruler”, adding that ownership of Gelegele was never in dispute.
Also speaking, the Egbae of Ekperi, HRH Sheik Garuba and HRH Razaq Ojiefo, the Onojie of Ewu in Esan Central Local Government Area, stated that the hospitality of Edo people must not be taken for granted.
They urged Ijaw leaders of thought to call their subject beating the drum of war to order, clarifying that Gelegele became a melting port when the Portuguese and British nationals had encounter with the Benin predating the 14th Century AD.