Oba of Benin, Ewuare ll, has warned all youths and organizers against a planned mass protest on Monday.
The Coalition of Benin Socio-cultural organisations had planned Monday, September 5, for a protest in solidarity with the Benin Traditional Council Secretary, Frank Irabor, with six others, arrested and arraigned in a Benin High Court on Thursday last week.
The alleged illegal demolition of over 80 houses in Ulegun, Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area of the state on the order of Irabor, had evoked protest by the Ulegun Community, which necessitated the arrest and prosecution of Irabor and six others.
The BTC in a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Oba of Benin, Osaigbovo Iguobaro, made available to journalists in Benin City on Sunday said the reason for the planned protest was being addressed by the palace.
The statement read, “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.”
“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 to halt the exercise immediately.
“The issue in question that led to their arrest is being resolved. In this regard, nobody or a group of persons should gather in the Oba of Benin Palace or anywhere in the Benin Kingdom on Monday, September 5, 2022.
“This announcement is important for all those concerned to comply please,” the statement concluded”, he added.
