Oba Ewuare II, the Oba of Benin, has warned all youths and organizers against a mass protest scheduled to hold on Monday.
Some young people have proposed holding a protest in support of Frank Irabor, the arrested, detained, and remanded Benin Traditional Council Secretary.
The Palace Secretary is accused of leading other chiefs in destroying and demolishing over 60 houses in the Ulegun community of Edo State’s Ikpoba-Okha local government area on the grounds that the developers built on Oba’s land.
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The Benin monarch said in a statement signed by Palace Chief Press Secretary Osaigbovo Iguobaro that the issues that may have prompted 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.”