ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II on Sunday cautioned all youths and organizers against a planned mass protest on Monday.
Some youths in the state have proposed demonstrating in solidarity with the arrested, detained and remanded Benin Traditional Council Secretary, Frank Irabor.
The Palace Secretary is accused of leading other chiefs to destroy and demolish over 60 houses in the Ulegun community in the Ikpoba-Okha local government area of the State on the ground that the developers built on Oba’s land.
According to a statement signed by the Palace Chief Press Secretary, Osaigbovo Iguobaro, the Benin monarch said that the issues that may have occasioned such a rally are already being addressed.
“The attention of the Benin Traditional Council has been drawn to a planned solidarity gathering by the Coalition of Social cultural Organisations over the arrest and detention of the Secretary, Benin Traditional Council, Frank Irabor and some chiefs in the Benin Kingdom,” he said.
“While the Palace appreciates their concern, let it be known that the Palace of the Oba of Benin does not want such gathering at this time and consequently directs that the organisers of the gathering halt the exercise immediately.
“The issue in question that led to their arrest is being resolved. In this regard, nobody or group of persons should gather in the Oba of Benin Palace or anywhere in the Benin Kingdom on Monday 5th September 2022.”