Benin Traditional Council Raises Alarm Over Proposed Installation of Hausa Traditional Ruler in Benin City

The Benin Traditional Council (BTC) has issued a stern warning against the planned installation and turbaning of a Hausa traditional ruler in Benin City.

Chief Sam Igbe, the Iyase (Prime Minister) of Benin Kingdom, conveyed the council’s concerns in a statement released on Thursday. The statement highlighted that Alhaji Danjuma Garba Binkola is set to be installed as ‘Garkuwan Hausawa Benin’ on Sunday, May 5th, 2024.

Igbe expressed strong disapproval of the planned ceremony, labeling it as a violation of Benin Traditional and Customary Law.

The statement, addressed to the Edo State Police Command, other security agencies, and the general public, underscored the serious implications of the event. It urged the organizers to refrain from disregarding the sanctity of Benin Traditional and Customary Law.

The statement issued by the BTC reads:

“The Benin Traditional Council (BTC) has become aware of an individual claiming to be known as ‘His Royal Highness Alh. Adamu Isah Adamu’ and identifying himself as ‘Sarkin Hausawa,’ intending to conduct a Turbaning ceremony wherein one ‘Alh. Danjuma Garba Binkola’ will be installed as ‘Garkuwan Hausawa Benin’ on Sunday, May 5th, 2024, at No. 7 Butcher Street, Off Mission Road, Benin City.

“The BTC hereby notifies the Nigerian Police Force, other security agencies, and the general public that this planned event constitutes a violation of Benin Traditional and Customary Law governing chieftaincy matters and must NOT PROCEED under any circumstances.

“For clarity, the BTC wishes to reiterate that as the Prescribed Authority on Chieftaincy Matters within the Seven Local Government Areas of Edo South Senatorial District, the Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, His Royal Majesty Ewuare II, Oba of Benin, has neither consented to nor approved the turbaning or conferment of chieftaincy title upon any individual named ‘Alh. Danjuma Garba Binkola,’ nor has he authorized any person by the name ‘His Royal Highness Alh. Adamu Isah Adamu’ to hold such a ceremony in Benin City or any other part of Edo South Senatorial District, Edo State.

“Therefore, these individuals are urged to respect Benin Traditional and Customary Law by canceling the planned ceremony immediately.”