Edo Kingship Tussle: Niger Delta Youth Leader Condemns Oba of Benin’s Attempts to Control Other Ethnic Groups, Iganke,
By Egbemavoice,
The Niger Delta Youth Leader has strongly condemned the actions of the Oba of Benin, calling them unethical, untraditional, and unconstitutional. The Oba’s alleged attempt to assert authority over other ethnic nationalities in Edo State, particularly the Ika people of Iganke Ndi Eze, is viewed as an abominable act, not only in the Niger Delta but in Nigeria and Africa as a whole.
Recently, the Oba of Benin reportedly ordered the people of Iganke Ndi Eze to submit to the authority of an Odiower under his leadership. However, the Ika people have no historical or cultural ties to the Bini tribe, aside from being part of the same state, Edo. This act is seen as an overreach of traditional authority and a violation of Nigeria’s constitutional provisions.
In Nigeria, traditional rulers serve as custodians of their ethnic group’s culture and norms, but they do not hold constitutional powers. The country operates under a presidential system of government, not a monarchy. Unlike in the United Kingdom, where the monarchy plays a constitutional role in governance, Nigeria's political structure is led by an elected president who oversees governors, local government chairmen, and councilors. Any attempt by a traditional ruler to impose power beyond his ethnic jurisdiction is unconstitutional and a potential trigger for conflict in Edo State.
NIGER DELTA YOUTH LEADER CONDEMNS THE UNCONSTITUTIONAL ACTIONS OF THE OBA OF BENIN
The Niger Delta Youth Leader comrade mingo Meshach Sayami ogumaka strongly condemns the recent actions of the Oba of Benin, which are deemed unethical, untraditional, and unconstitutional. The attempt by the Oba to assert authority over other ethnic nationalities within Edo State is not only an overreach of traditional power but also a direct violation of Nigeria’s constitutional provisions. Such actions threaten the peace and stability of the region and must be addressed accordingly.
Recent reports indicate that the Oba of Benin has demanded that the people of Iganke Ndi Eze submit to the authority of an Odiower under his leadership. However, it is important to state that the people of Iganke Ndi Eze belong to the Ika ethnic group and have no historical or cultural ties to the Bini tribe, aside from being within the same state. The imposition of authority over a distinct ethnic group is an affront to the principles of self-determination and cultural autonomy enshrined in Nigeria’s democratic framework.
He said, Nigeria operates under a sovereign presidential system of government, where authority is derived from the Constitution, not from traditional rulership. The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999, as amended) is the supreme law of the land and explicitly defines the scope of authority for traditional rulers. Under Section 2 of the Constitution, sovereignty belongs to the Nigerian people, and governance is structured through elected representatives at the federal, state, and local government levels.
Section 36 of the Constitution guarantees the right to freedom of association, ensuring that ethnic groups cannot be forced under the authority of another traditional institution against their will. Additionally, Section 42 prohibits discrimination on the basis of ethnicity or place of origin, reinforcing the legal standing of the Ika ethnic group in managing their own affairs without external interference.
Furthermore, the Nigerian Chieftaincy Laws, as provided under state laws and the Traditional Rulers and Chiefs Law, clearly define the roles and jurisdictions of traditional rulers. These laws stipulate that traditional rulers must operate within their designated ethnic or regional domains and cannot exercise authority over groups that do not recognize their leadership.
He revealed the Governance and Role of Traditional Rulers, The governance structure in Nigeria is clear: the President oversees the affairs of the nation, while governors, local government chairmen, and councilors manage the affairs of their respective jurisdictions. Any attempt by a traditional ruler to usurp governmental authority is not only illegal but also an open invitation to crisis and disorder within the state.
The Constitution assigns governance responsibilities to elected officials and state institutions, ensuring that no traditional ruler can impose their authority on groups outside their domain. Traditional rulers, while serving as custodians of cultural heritage, do not have legal powers to make or enforce laws, impose authority over independent ethnic groups, or dictate governmental policies.
The Niger Delta Youth Leader calls on the federal and state governments, as well as relevant stakeholders, to intervene and ensure that traditional institutions respect the constitutional order of the country. The peace and stability of Edo State, and indeed Nigeria as a whole, depend on adherence to the rule of law and mutual respect among all ethnic groups.
We also urge the people of Iganke Ndi Eze and all other affected communities to remain calm and law-abiding while seeking redress through appropriate legal and governmental channels. The Niger Delta Youth Leadership stands firmly in support of justice, fairness, and the constitutional rights of all ethnic nationalities in Nigeria.
Furthermore, the Youth Leader emphasizes that the Oba of Benin's use of state government influence, particularly through the Governor, to impose illegitimate state laws upon ethnic groups constitutes an abuse of power. Traditional rulers are recognized as appointees under state government jurisdiction, operating within local government areas and the state's traditional council. These councils bring together kings from various ethnic groups to contribute as stakeholders for the collective betterment of the state.
Signed:
Comrade Sayami ogumaka
Niger Delta Youth Leader
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