I'm still at a loss how to explain why some Benin youths complained when the new Oba was appointed, so if he wasn't appointed, why did he accept staff of office from the governor in the public glare?

Oba of Benin isn't appointed. He is born a king. The throne cannot even be lobbied for. Saying he was appointed is like saying that Gov Oshiomole could have appointed someone else. That's impossible, in Benin at least. Benin was conquered and came under the British empire in 1897, When Oba Eweka II was crowned in 1914, the British law had to recognize him as under the British empire. When Nigeria became a republic in 1963, the Nigerian constitution had to recognize traditional rulers. Because how else will we claim to be operating a republic rather than a monarchical government if an Oba is not incorporated into the new Nigerian system. So after an Oba has been crowned as per traditions and custom, he is then presented a staff of office by the government to show that he is recognized by the government. But basically he is given the staff of office because he has been crowned Oba. Oba Ewuare II N'Ogidigan gha tor kpe re.

OK. We don hear