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Gov. Okpebholo  Gives Edo Queens N50 Million For Winning NWFL, WAFU League

By
Ayodele Oni
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Okpebholo Gives Edo Queens N50 Million For Winning NWFL

By Ayodele Oni

 

Victorious Edo Queens have cause to rejoice as Governor Monday Okpebholo showered cash gift of N50 million for their outstanding performances and historic double triumph on the domestic and regional stages.

 

Okpebholo announced the cash reward on Tuesday while receiving the 2025/26 Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) trophy and the 2026 WAFU-B Women’s Champions League title from the team at the Government House, Benin City.

 

The governor described the team’s achievements as a moment of immense pride for Edo State, commending the players and their officials for putting the state on the map through their discipline, hard work and commitment to excellence.

 

He particularly praised the team for courage, resilience and unwavering determination, highlighting their impressive victory over a Ghanaian side.

 

According to Okpebholo, the N50 million reward demonstrates his administration’s appreciation of the sacrifices made by the players and officials, while also serving as an incentive for them to continue raising the bar in women’s football.

 

It will be recalled that Edo Queens played a 2-2 draw against Ghanaian side, Ampem Darkoa Ladies, after regulation time before Edo Queens prevailed 4-1 in the decisive penalty shootout.

 

The governor described the victory as significant to Edo people and the country, adding that the players displayed resilience and determination throughout the competition.

 

According to him, he was confident that the team would win the penalty shootout after observing the goalkeeper’s composure and strategy.

 

Okpebholo pointed out that the goalkeeper’s movements and efforts to distract the Ghanaian penalty takers gave him confidence that the team would prevail.

 

He said he was particularly impressed by the goalkeeper’s saves during the shootout, describing them as crucial to the team’s victory.

 

The governor also commended the coach and other members of the technical crew for their contributions to the success.

 

“For me, this cup matters to Edo people and it matters to the country.

 

“I must commend the players for their doggedness. I also want to thank the coaching crew and other officials.

 

“I want to reward the team with the sum of N50 million,” Okpebholo said.

 

The governor also commended the Edo Broadcasting Service (EBS) for televising the match live, saying the coverage enabled more Nigerians to watch and celebrate the team’s achievement.

 

Earlier, Amadin Enabulele, Chairman of the Edo Sports Commission, commended Edo Queens’ resilience throughout the tournament, saying that they had done the state proud.

 

“Our girls have truly done us proud. To win the Nigeria Women’s Football League and the WAFU-B championship in the same season is no small feat.

 

“It requires grit, unity, discipline, resilience and an unshakeable belief in oneself.

 

“I am particularly proud of the new management for not only keeping the flame burning but also raising the standard even higher,” he said.

 

Enabulele also commended the Edo Queens coaches, technical crew and management team for their sacrifices, adding that they carried the hopes and aspirations of Edo people on their shoulders.

NBA, NPF Seek End To Clashes Among Lawyers, Policemen

By
Ayodele Oni
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Mrs Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya and IGP Tunji Disu

By Ayodele Oni

 

Nigeria Bar Association, (NBA) and the Nigeria Police are exploiting areas of possible synergy to enhance their professional duties.

 

The two bodies want professional collaboration, improved communication and greater mutual respect in advancing justice and public safety.

 

Discussions were held between the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, and President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mrs Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, when they met in Abuja on Tuesday.

 

Speaking during the visit, the NBA President emphasised the need for closer synergy between the Police and the legal profession, particularly through specialised training for lawyers and improved engagement between Police lawyers and members of the wider Bar.

 

She noted that the NBA has a responsibility to remain responsive to the needs of its members across the country and advocated for an end to recurring clashes between lawyers and Police officers, stressing that both professions have complementary responsibilities within the justice system.

 

The NBA President further highlighted a UNICEF-supported initiative on children’s access to justice, under which the NBA is proposing the presence of a Police lawyer at every Police station to provide appropriate legal support to children who come into contact with the juvenile justice system.

 

The proposal, she noted, underscores the importance of ensuring that vulnerable children are adequately supported and protected throughout the justice process.

 

Responding, the IGP congratulated Mrs Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, on her emergence as President of the NBA and described the engagement as an opportunity to build a stronger and more structured relationship between the Nigeria Police Force and the legal profession.

 

He stressed that respect for every individual, office and profession must remain fundamental to professional interactions, noting that while lawyers are principally concerned with protecting citizens’ rights and the Police with protecting lives and property, the responsibilities of both institutions converge in the administration of justice.

 

The IGP also called for greater professionalism and responsibility in the recording and dissemination of encounters involving Police officers.

 

He stressed that personnel should not be subjected to ridicule or have the demanding circumstances of their duties trivialised for social media entertainment, particularly when officers operate under challenging conditions in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities to protect lives and property.

 

As part of efforts to strengthen institutional cooperation, the IGP identified improved professional engagement, measures to reduce delays in criminal trials and the establishment of a dedicated NPF/NBA mechanism for seamless and open communication as key areas requiring sustained collaboration.

 

He noted that such a mechanism would provide a structured channel for addressing professional concerns, improving coordination and resolving issues before they escalate into unnecessary confrontations.

 

The IGP reaffirmed that the Police and the legal profession are partners in the pursuit of justice and acknowledged that disagreements may arise in the course of their respective duties.

 

He, however, stressed that such differences must be managed professionally, respectfully and with civility, while expressing his readiness to work with the new NBA leadership towards a stronger and more productive partnership.

 

“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to strengthening collaboration with the Nigerian Bar Association and other justice-sector stakeholders towards protecting fundamental rights, improving access to justice, promoting professionalism and building a more effective, responsive and trusted criminal justice system.”

How Benue Youths Fight The Wrong Battle — Run From Bandits, But Fight Harmless Peter Obi

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The Source
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Ike Abonyi
Ike Abonyi

By Ike Abonyi

 

What a tragic irony Nigeria has become: young men who run for their lives when bandits enter their villages suddenly discover courage when Peter Obi comes to mourn those the bandits have killed. When the killers arrived, they disappeared. When their people were being slaughtered and maimed, they fled. But when an unarmed presidential candidate came—not to campaign, not to fight, but to commiserate with grieving families—they were suddenly mobilised to become political thugs by a government headed by an ordained Catholic priest, Rev father Hyacinth Alia. What a shame. What exactly are we defending? And whom are we defending it against? If these young men had mobilised with the same determination against the bandits, perhaps some of the victims whose graves they now mourn would still be alive. If they had shown half the courage against insecurity that they displayed against a fellow Nigerian offering condolences, their communities might be safer today. This is the tragedy of political manipulation: a generation whose future is being stolen by insecurity is being recruited to protect the very political interests that have failed to secure that future.

Peter Obi did not come to challenge anybody’s authority. He came to stand with Nigerians in their darkest hour. He came because the dead were Nigerians, the wounded were Nigerians, and the grieving families were Nigerians.

Peter Obi attacked in Benue

 

Yet some youths were apparently made to believe that stopping him was more important than asking why their communities remain vulnerable to armed criminals. This is how politics destroys a people—when the victim begins to see the sympathiser as the enemy and the real enemy is allowed to remain invisible. Let our youths wake up. The bandit does not care whether you are APC, PDP, NDC, LP, Muslim or Christian. The bandit sees a vulnerable Nigerian. The bullet does not check your party membership before it kills. So why should a young Nigerian allow himself to be used against another Nigerian simply because of politics? If you have courage, use it to demand security.

If you have strength, use it to defend your community. If you have a voice, use it to demand accountability. And if you have a PVC, use it to choose leaders who will secure your future. Do not allow anyone to turn you into a political weapon today and leave you unemployed, insecure and abandoned tomorrow.

A governor who can mobilise youths for politics but cannot mobilise them to defend their people should be ashamed of himself. Nigeria’s youths must graduate from being foot soldiers for politicians to becoming owners of their political destiny. The real battle is not Peter Obi versus Nigerian youths. The real battle is Nigerians versus insecurity, poverty, corruption, unemployment, and the political culture that keeps exploiting young people while their future burns around them. And perhaps the most painful question of all is this: How can you run from the people who came to kill you but stand boldly before the person who came to mourn with you? That is not courage. That is a tragedy of misplaced loyalty.

 ■Ike Abonyi is Editor @Large.

NDC Condemns Attack And Obstruction Of Peter Obi In Benue State

By
The Source
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0
Peter Obi attacked in Benue

The Nigeria Democratic Congress ,NDC strongly condemns the shameful attack and obstruction of our Presidential Candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, by suspected hired thugs in Benue State on Tuesday.

 

According to reports, the group was allegedly led by an aide to the Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia. Armed with dangerous weapons, they blocked Mr. Obi’s convoy and prevented him from gaining entry into Yelwata community, where over 270 people were reportedly massacred.

 

In his own words, Mr. Obi stated:

“I arrived in Benue this morning at about 9 a.m. with the intention of visiting the victims and families affected by the horrific killings in Yelwata. Unfortunately, we were stopped from proceeding to the community by thugs chanting, ‘Peter Obi, go back.’”

 

The NDC, in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, said it finds it deeply troubling and condemnable that a visit intended solely to mourn with grieving families, offer solidarity, and listen to victims about how to prevent future tragedies was obstructed in this manner.

 

Mr. Obi further stated:

“I came to Benue not for politics but to mourn with our people, to listen to families who have lost loved ones, and to offer our solidarity during a moment of unimaginable pain. At a time when our nation should be united in grief and committed to preventing further loss of life, we must avoid actions that deepen divisions.”

 

According to the NDC, “Benue and all Nigerians deserve to live, sleep peacefully, travel safely, and farm their lands without fear. Above all, they deserve a government that prioritizes the protection of human life above every other consideration.

 

“Although access to the community was denied today, the hearts and prayers of the NDC and our Presidential Candidate remain with the victims, their families, and the entire Yelwata community.

 

“We will not be deterred. The NDC will persist until we restore the fundamental responsibility of government: the protection of every Nigerian’s life.

 

“We call on the Benue State Government and relevant security agencies to immediately investigate this incident, bring the perpetrators to justice, and guarantee the safety of all citizens and leaders who seek to show solidarity in times of grief.”

My Visit To Benue Not Political – Obi, Flays Divisive Politics

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Peter Obi
Mr Peter Obi

By Ayodele Oni

 

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has revealed purpose of his botched trip to Benue state, saying the visit was to sympathise with a community that recently lost residents, not to campaign.

 

Obi spoke on Tuesday after his convoy reportedly encountered a road blockade as it entered the state.

 

The former Anambra State governor poonted oit that the incident reflected what he described as the deteriorating state of political tolerance in Nigeria, calling for a shift from divisive politics to one centred on unity.

 

“I am in Benue today not for campaigns. I only wanted to go to a place where people lost their lives, to condole and show solidarity with them.”

 

Reacting to the reported obstruction of his convoy, Obi expressed concern over the direction of political activities in the country.

 

He said political differences should not prevent Nigerians from showing compassion to communities affected by tragedy.

 

“You can see the level to which our politics has degenerated,” he said.

 

Obi recalled that he had made a similar appeal a day earlier, while attending the inauguration of an office belonging to a candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement.

 

“That was why yesterday, while joining the APM candidate in launching his office, I used the opportunity to plead with our people, let our next politics be a politics of unity,” he added.

 

Earlier on Tuesday, Obi’s media aide, Esther Umoh, alleged that suspected thugs blocked Boko Road, near the Nigerian Air Force Base, shortly after the NDC candidate and his entourage arrived in Benue.

 

Umoh shared footage of the incident on X and alleged that those responsible intended to stop the convoy from proceeding further.

 

“We have just arrived in Benue State, where alleged sponsored thugs have blocked Boko Road by the Air Force Base, attempting to prevent Peter Obi from gaining access into the state.”

 

In another video circulated by the aide, some individuals were seen running after vehicles believed to be part of Obi’s convoy.

Peter Obi Stopped From Entry Into Benue State By Thugs Led By Gov’s Aide

By
The Source
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0
Peter Obi attacked in Benue

 

Hired thugs stopped the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) Presidential candidate from visiting Benue State on Tuesday.

 

According to a statement signed by Idris Zekeri Jnr of the Peter Obi Media Office, “The group, reportedly led by an aide to the state governor, Rev Fr. Hyacinth Alia, was armed with dangerous weapons and blocked Obi’s movement into the village where hundreds of people lost their lives. Explaining the situation, Obi posted on his X handle:

“I arrived in Benue this morning at about 9 a.m. with the intention of visiting the victims and families affected by the horrific killings in Yelwata, where over 270 people were reportedly massacred. Unfortunately, we were stopped from proceeding to the community by thugs chanting, ‘Peter Obi, go back.’

 

“I came to Benue not for politics but to mourn with our people, to listen to families who have lost loved ones, and to offer our solidarity during a moment of unimaginable pain. It is most worrisome that a visit meant solely to show solidarity, support, and compassion, and to hear from the victims and their families about how we can prevent such tragedies in future, could be obstructed in this manner.

 

“At a time when our nation should be united in grief and committed to preventing further loss of life, we must avoid actions that deepen divisions. Benue and the Nigerian people deserve to sleep peacefully, travel safely, and farm their lands without fear. 

Above all, they deserve to live in a country where the government prioritises the protection of human life above every political consideration. Although we could not reach the community today, our hearts and prayers remain with the victims, their families, and the entire Yelwata community. 

 

“We will persist until we restore the fundamental responsibility of government: the protection of every Nigerian’s life. 

 

“Until then, we cannot truly say that we have built the Nigeria we deserve. A New Nigeria Is Possible! and will come with OK.”

Peter Obi: “Datti Remains My Brother”

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The Source
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Peter Obi
Mr Peter Obi

The Peter Obi Media Office urged him to respond to his former vice-presidential running mate’s decision to include him among those considered unfit to rescue Nigeria. His response was heartfelt and disarming.

He said: “I do not believe that my dear brother Datti spoke sincerely. My relationship with him extends beyond politics, and I do not believe he intended to describe me as unfit; I sincerely question that interpretation. We have shared a journey profound enough that I cannot imagine him truly viewing me in that way. He once stood with me as my running mate, partner, and brother in the struggle to build a better Nigeria. He knows that we won the election. He may view me differently today, and I respect his right to hold his opinions and convictions. However, he also knows that I will never permit political differences to erase the bond of brotherhood between us. I will always speak of Datti with respect. Despite everything that has been said, he remains my brother and my ally. In my view, none of this is sufficient to diminish our brotherhood. We may differ politically, including over the direction Nigeria’s future should take, but I believe those differences will never make us enemies. Why? Nigeria has wounded each of us in different ways. What Nigeria needs now is not deeper resentment among brothers, but reconciliation, mutual understanding, and people prepared to place the nation above personal grievances. Datti remains my beloved brother, and no political disagreement can change that. I believe, in my heart, that he feels the same way. The time will come when we can sit together once more—not as former allies or political adversaries, but simply as brothers who contributed to Nigeria’s progress. Brotherhood must endure beyond politics, and I hope ours always does.

Senator Datti Baba-Ahmed
Senator Datti Baba-Ahmed

“Nigeria’s circumstances are deeply frustrating and can bring people to despair or prompt unexpected remarks, but this period will certainly pass as a new Nigeria—one that is possible and O-K emerges and moves forward.

APC, PDP Disown Petitions Challenging Gov. Adeleke’s Victory Before Osun Tribunal

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
APC and PDP

By Ayodele Oni

 

There is a twist in the petitions filed before Osun State Governorship Election Tribunal as the purported petitioners disowned the action.

 

The Osun State Chapter of All Progressives Congress ( APC) Governorship Campaign Council dismissed as false reports claiming that the party and its governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO), have filed a petition challenging the outcome of the August 15, 2026 governorship election at the Election Petition Tribunal.

 

A statement signed by Oluremi Omowaiye

Head, Media and Publicity of the council stated that “We state categorically that neither the All Progressives Congress ( APC) nor its governorship candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO) filed any petition at the tribunal challenging the outcome of the August 15 governorship election.

 

“The purported claim is therefore completely untrue and should be regarded as nothing more than a rumour being circulated by individuals seeking to mislead members of the public and create unnecessary tension.

 

“We urge members of the public, supporters of our great party and the media to discountenance the claim and refrain from giving credibility to unverified information designed to cause confusion.

 

“The APC and Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji remain committed to lawful and democratic processes and will continue to act responsibly in the interest of peace, stability and the good people of Osun State.

 

“We urge the public to rely only on official statements from the APC and the Campaign Council on matters concerning the party, its candidate and the outcome of the August 15 governorship election.

 

Also legal team of APC disowned the petition filed on behalf of the party challenging the victory of Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, in the August 15 governorship poll.

 

One of the leaders of the team, Adekunle Adegoke (SAN), insisted that no petition was filed on behalf of the APC candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, and the party before the tribunal.

 

Adegoke, who said the legal team met Oyebamiji and other party leaders shortly after the results of the poll were released to discuss the next line of action, further noted that the decision not to challenge the outcome of the poll was taken after consultations.

 

He further said the decision not to approach the tribunal was based on the need to de-escalate tension and allow peace to reign in the state.

 

“We advised our client that the best in this circumstance is for us not to go to the tribunal.

 

“The legal team has been in existence for more than seven years now. When we are going into an election, and the result of the election is being announced, we know where there are loopholes, we know what we can challenge.

 

“At this particular point in time, we want to prove to the minds of the people that at the level of the APC, we are not termagants; we are not just litigious people who are just interested in causing brouhaha in the populace.

 

“We don’t have anything personal against Nurudeen Adeleke the governor, or any other person in another party, whether PDP or Accord.

 

The candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP in the August 2026 election, Adedamola Adebayo said since he had congratulated Governor Ademola Adeleke, he had accepted the outcome of the exercise in good faith.

 

He even made it clear that he voted for Governor Ademola Adeleke at the governorship election.

 

According to the notices signed by the Tribunal Secretary, Belemo Diete-Spiff, in the first petition, the Osun APC governorship candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, and the All Progressives Congress were the petitioners, while Ademola Nurudeen Jackson Adeleke, the Accord Party and the Independent National Electoral Commission were the respondents in the suit with the number EPT/Os/Gov/01/2026.

 

In the second petition with the number EPT/Os/Gov/02/2026, the Peoples Democratic Party was the petitioner, while the Independent National Electoral Commission, the Accord Party and Senator Nurudeen Ademola Adeleke were the respondents.

Obi To Baba-Ahmed: “I Will Do Things That Will Bring Honour, Respect To Nigeria”

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Peter Obi and Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed

By Ayodele Oni

Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has maintained that his record as governor of Anambra State showed that he could deliver improvements in critical areas of development if given the opportunity to lead Nigeria.

 

Obi was responding to a recent claim by his former running mate, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, that none of the politicians seeking to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election, including Obi, can bring the change Nigeria needs.

 

Baba-Ahmed made the comment during an appearance on the Mic On Podcast while discussing the 2027 presidential election and the politicians positioning themselves to challenge Tinubu.

 

“None of the people running against President Tinubu can change the country,” Baba-Ahmed said.

 

When he was specifically asked whether the statement included Obi, his former principal, Baba-Ahmed replied, “Including Peter Obi.”

 

Baba-Ahmed had previously stressed that his political independence does not depend on Obi and that he does not consider himself politically tied to his former principal.

 

The former Anambra State governor made the clarification during an interview with Ojinika Okpe of Arise TV.

 

Obi said he would rather point to his record in Anambra State as evidence of what he could achieve at the national level.

 

“Well, I can only use an example of where I passed through. I passed through Anambra State and I improved the state, in critical areas of development. And I can do the same thing in Nigeria.”

 

He added that if given the opportunity to lead the country, his administration would focus on restoring order and improving governance, while also reducing what he described as the excessive cost of running government.

 

“I’m definitely sure that if given the opportunities, first I’ll bring civility and order and governance. I’ll be able to cut the cost of governance, which is irresponsible today. I’ll be able to do quite a number of things that will bring honour, respect to the country.”

 

In an earlier interview with Symfoni in June, Baba-Ahmed explained that sympathy for Obi played an important role in his decision to become his running mate in 2023.

 

According to him, Obi had approached three prominent politicians in 2022 as he sought to build a political alliance, but they allegedly declined to join him.

 

Baba-Ahmed said he felt disappointed for Obi and Nigeria and subsequently decided to volunteer himself for the political project.

 

“They thought I would follow Peter Obi,” Baba-Ahmed said.

 

“People don’t understand between me and Peter Obi, I have a great deal of sympathy for him. And this sympathy was at the core of our relationship.”

 

He added, “When he approached three major politicians in 2022 they avoided him. I would have been glad if in 2022 one of them went with Peter Obi. They all avoided him. I felt bad for him and for Nigeria as a nation.”

 

Baba-Ahmed said he knew the reasons why the politicians chose not to work with Obi but declined to identify them or disclose the specific circumstances surrounding their decisions.

 

He also rejected suggestions that his political choices would automatically follow those of Obi after the 2023 election.

 

“They thought I would follow Peter Obi to ADC, but I had given enough sympathy then,” he said. “Obi does not own me. I own my independence.”

 

Baba-Ahmed has also previously expressed doubts about the ability of opposition politicians to build a strong and sustainable political alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress ahead of 2027.

 

In May, he discussed the difficulty of securing political support across northern Nigeria, arguing that regional influence, electoral calculations, political structures and the personalities involved would remain important factors in determining the success of opposition candidates.

 

“It is very unlikely that the North will rally around OK. That is my personal opinion,” he said.

Igbinedion: Oba Of Benin Alleges Desecration, Suspends Royal Praise Singers, Strips Leader Of Title

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Oba of Benin - EwuareII

By Ayodele Oni

 

For alleged breach of palace rules and Benin traditional customs, the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has suspended the Isikhuan royal praise singers group.

 

The suspension followed allegations that the group performed at the 92nd birthday celebration of the Esama of Benin Kingdom, Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, at his residence without authorisation from the palace.

 

The Chief Press Secretary to the Oba, Osaigbovo Iguobaro, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Benin City.

 

According to the statement, the royal praise singers allegedly breached an ancient Benin taboo “a few days ago” by staging a traditional performance exclusively reserved for the Oba at the residence of Chief Igbinedion.

 

Iguobaro said Chief Osaro Idah, the Obazelu of Benin Kingdom, conveyed the monarch’s decision during an emergency meeting held at the palace on Sunday.

 

He said Chief Idah, alongside Chief Ada Igbinovia (Eribo N’Ibiwe), Chief Imade Osamuyi Amos (Oshodi N’Ibiwe), Chief Enoma Ogiesughe (Ogiesughe N’Ewaise) and other palace chiefs expressed concern over what they described as a serious breach of respect for the Benin monarchy.

 

The palace chiefs also questioned why Chief Igbinedion permitted the Isikhuan group to perform at his birthday celebration, considering his long-standing knowledge of, and commitment to, Benin’s sacred customs and traditions.

 

The statement further disclosed that the Oba stripped the leader of the Isikhuan royal praise singers, Juliet Omogui, of her traditional title, Okao.

 

Iguobaro explained that the suspension and withdrawal of the title followed Omogui’s admission of the allegation, which is backed by a viral video of the performance circulating online.

 

He added that the palace chiefs directed Omogui to return the traditional headgear, known as Okuku, in her custody to the palace, pending further directives from the Oba.

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