Just four days after the Edo State Government declared a prohibition on the activities of Okaigheles (youth leaders) in the Edo South senatorial district, the Oba of Benin’s palace has expressed its disagreement.
On June 3, 2024, Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, announced the ban on youth leaders in the senatorial district following a private meeting with security chiefs at the Government House in Benin City. This move was part of a renewed initiative to combat cultism in the state.
Obaseki also revealed that between January and May 2024, over 150 individuals have fallen victim to cult-related activities and homicide.
In response to the ban on the youth leader in the seven local government areas comprising the Edo South senatorial district, the Oba of Benin Palace stated that Okaigheles have not been prohibited in the Benin Kingdom.
Chief Osaro Idah, the Obazelu of Benin, spoke on behalf of the palace, addressing the protesting Okaigheles who sought the palace’s intervention. He emphasized that the Okaigheles represent a segment of the long-standing Benin traditional administrative structure.
A statement released to the press in Benin City by Osaigbovo Iguobaro, the Chief Press Secretary to the Oba of Benin, quoted Idah, who was accompanied by Chief Oghafua Oyeoba, the Oyeoba of Benin, and Chief Uyi Okungbowa, the Ogua of Benin. They stated that the Palace would not protect any individual involved in criminal activities.
He assured that the palace would engage in dialogue with the government regarding the contentious issue and urged the Okaigheles to maintain peace and order in their domains.
He stated: “Okaighele is not a new concept in Benin. It predates this century. Just as you have age grades and senior sons, we have them too. When the Oba appoints an Odionwere (village head), the Okaighele assists the Odionwere in the daily administration of the domain.
“Okaighele, being part of the Benin ancestors, cannot be banned outright. We will communicate your concerns to the relevant authorities. You have not been banned. However, the Palace will not condone any form of violence or attack on any individual or group of persons in communities,” he said.
He cautioned that if any Okaighele is found guilty of wrongdoing, the palace will support the government in prosecuting such individuals.
Earlier, Rowland Ogbomo, representing the aggrieved youths and Odionweres (village heads), stated that Okaighele is a creation of the palace.
Ogbomo expressed their surprise at the state governor’s announcement and appealed to the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, for urgent intervention.
He clarified that Okaigheles are responsible for maintaining law and order in accordance with Benin’s native laws and customs.
“We are here in response to the recent ban on Okaigheles by the Governor, and we are appealing to our royal father to intervene and save us. We are not cultists,” he stated.