By Owen Eresoyen, Benin
Alhaji Danjuma Garba Binkola who was to be turbaned as the “Garkuwan Hausawan Benin in Edo State, on Sunday 5th May, 2024 at No. 7 Butcher Street, off Mission Road, Benin City has begged the Oba of Benin, Ewuare II for mercy over his actions.
Alh. Binkola who appeals to the Oba of Benin to pardon his ignorance since he was not aware of the implications.
Binkola said he got the news just yesterday and that he is not aware of the magnitude of his purported installation as the “Garkuwan Hausawan Benin”
He said his father, Alh. Garuba was born and brought up here in Benin including himself and based on his long stay in Benin, he knows the traditions and customs of the people here in the state.
Binkola who reiterated that he didn’t know the implications of his actions, said that the person who was to confer him the title only told him that his role was to assist him oversee the activities of the Hausa Community in Edo State while in return, communicates to the palace.
He however begged the monarch to forgive him of his actions noting that Edo State is good for him.
Recall that the Benin Traditional Council (BTC), has vehemently kicked against the purported turban of one “Alh. Danjuma Garba Binkola as “Garkuwan Hausawan Benin in Edo State.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Iyase of Benin Kingdom, Chief Sam Igbe on behalf of the BTC and made available to journalists in Benin, it said that such purported plan, violates the Benin Tradition and Customary Law applicable to chieftaincy matters and must not be allowed to hold in the state.
“It has come to the notice of the Benin Traditional Council (BTC) that an individual claiming to be known as “His Royal Highness Alh. Adamu Isa Adamu” and who describes himself as “Sarkin Hausawa” plans to perform a Turban ceremony in which one “Alh. Danjuma Garba Binkola” will be installed as “Garkuwan Hausawan Benin” on Sunday 5th May, 2024 at No. 7 Butcher Street, off Mission Road, Benin City.
” The BTC hereby inform the Nigerian Police Force and other security agencies as well as the general public that this planned event is a violation of Benin Tradition and Customary Law applicable to chieftaincy matters and therefore must not hold under any circumstances.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the BTC wish to emphasize that as the prescribed authority on chieftaincy matters, the Omo N’ Oba N’ Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, His Royal Majesty, Ewuare II, Oba of Benin has not given consent to or approved the turbaning or conferment of chieftaincy title by whatever name called on any individual by name “Alh. Danjuma Garba Binkola” or permitted any person by the name “His Royal Highness Alh. Adamu Isa Adamu” to hold any such ceremony in Benin City or any other part of Edo South Senatorial District, Edo State”, the statement said.
The BTC, consequently, urged them to refrain from violating the sanctity of the Benin Traditional and Customary Law by cancelling the planned ceremony forthwith.