The Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, has ordered the immediate suspension of Obadolagbonyi of Benin, Utete Omo Osagie, from all palace-related activities for abuse of power.
According to a palace spokesman, the chief led an Osokpikan society to rain curses on a resident’s property without the express permission of the palace.
Osaro Idah, who addressed journalists on behalf of the Oba on Monday, said that Osagie acted of his own will and against the palace’s interest, hence the suspension.
He explained that since the Osokpikan society remained the property of the palace, the chief should have obtained permission from the king before embarking on such a weighty exercise.
“On Saturday last week, a certain group known as Osokpikan, owned by the palace, was led by a chief to a certain premises in Benin, to put a curse on an event which he has no right to do.
“That group, Osokpikan, belongs to this palace and the only authority to (perform) such action is Oba of Benin. In this instance, neither did they seek the permission of the palace nor take permission from the palace before going to perform such act,” he stated.
“Subsequently, Oba of Benin has hereby dissociated himself and the palace from that event and the chief who led them, Osagie, the Obadolagbonyi of Benin, has been suspended from palace activities till further notice,” the palace spokesman added.
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