Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has insisted that the ban on Okaighele (community youth leaders) activities in seven local governments in Edo South Senatorial district is still in force.

Recall that the Oba of Benin Palace had on June 7, 2024, kicked against the action of the Edo State Government.

While addressing the Okaigheles who protested to Palace, Chief Osaro Idah, the Obazelu of Benin, who spoke on behalf of the monarch, had said Okaighele is not something that can be banned by fiat as they belong to the Benin ancestors.

According to the Palace, Okaighele represents a segment of the aged-long Benin traditional administrative structure.


“Okaighele didn’t start in this Century. As you have age grades, and senior sons, so we have them. When Odionwere (village head) is appointed by the Oba, Okaighele assist the Odionwere in the daily administration of the domain on daily basis.”

But reacting to the Palace’s comments, the Edo government said Okaighele and cultists pose the most severe threat to the security and stability of the state.

The Commissioner for Orientation and Communication, Chris Nehikhare, who spoke on behalf of the government said Okaighele’s was made in the interest of public safety.

He described the development as a move to curb the alarming rise in cult-related activities.

“The Edo State Security Council data has shown that these two groups (Okaigheles and cultists) pose the most severe threat to the security and stability of the State, resulting in the decision of the Council to place a total ban on the criminal groups”.

“While we respect the tradition and customs of our communities, it is important to note that the safety and security of our citizens must always come first”.

“Chief Osaro Idah, Obazalu of Benin’s contradictory statement does not change the gravity of the situation at hand, and we stand by our decision to enforce this ban on Okaigheles to protect the lives of our people.”

He warned that government would not allow any individual or organization no matter now highly placed to undermine the efforts of the State Security Council to protect the lives and property.

“We reiterate that the activities of cultists, Okaigheles and their sponsors remain banned in the State and we will spare no effort to ensure that those who flout the ban are made to face the full weight of the Law,” he said.

jrizlybey:
Is he still fighting the Oba? He should remember election is around the corner.

helinues:
Former Delta Governor Okowa was just so smart. He left the governor position without any noise.

Wondering what would be the case of Obaseki

MrProlific95:
Obaseki, Oba don dey go market las las,

Benin Traditional institution is been embarrassed seems the gods no get powers again

NitaNot:
The Oba just doesn't understand that he is NOT in the 15th Century.

He believes the Governor should be taking orders from him.

The Oba also thinks he is or should be in TOTAL charge of the Edo South (Bini Speaking) Senatorial part of the State.

That is, and remains the problem he has with the Governor. For political reasons, the Governor has been too patient with him.

Isokiscool:
This is the most political oba in the history of obaship in Edo state.Community youth leaders are mostly touts and cultist who have been terrorizing residents of various communities.Recently most cult killings have been traced to them and you tell me the governor does not have power to ban them??Before this ban if you wan build house for Benin you go hear wen

Anguldi:
Make Oba b kiaful Dethronement fit sub if matters escalate.


Where is commissioner for local government and chieftaincy, sharply serve OBA warning and suspension first. Him mind go touch ground 💯

NitaNot:
The Oba just doesn't understand that he is NOT in the 15th Century.

He believes the Governor should be taking orders from him.

The Oba also thinks he is or should be in TOTAL charge of the Edo South (Bini Speaking) Senatorial part of the State.

That is, and remains the problem he has with the Governor. For political reasons, the Governor has been too patient with him.