The Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, has approved the suspension of the Chief Priest of the kingdom, Nosakhare Isekhure, from all the duties of the title, over alleged dereliction of duties and desecration.
The Benin Traditional Council (BTC), announced his suspension at a press conference addressed by the Iyase (Prime Minister) of Benin Kingdom, Chief Sam Igbe.
He was also accused of turning his residence into a mini palace where he held court, collecting gratification and even review cases already decided by the Oba Palace.
The Council in a statement jointly signed by Igbe, Edebiri, Osuma of Benin, Chief Norense Ozigbo-Esere, Esere of Benin, Chief Stanley Obamwonyi, Eguezigbon of Benin, Chief Osemwota Obamwonyi, Oliha of Benin, Chief Edionwe Oliha, Eson of Benin, Chief Amos Osunbor, Eribo of Benin, Chief E, Oviasogie, Ine of Benin, Chief E. U. Uzamere and Secretary of BTC, Frank Irabor, alleged that the Isekhure desecrated the duties of the title without regard for the palace.
“He designated his house as a palace where he held court in which he sometimes reviewed cases already dealt with in the Oba’s palace. Of course, gratifications were there offered or forced and collected.
“He used his position to influence new chiefs celebrating their investiture to perform certain rites in his residence, during which monies, kolanuts and drinks were collected.
“Senior chief were at times openly bad-mouthed and vilified by him and during those times, he declared that the chiefs were not senior to him and that he would not pay respect to them again as palace cultures demand.”
“He turned himself into a be all and end all, and a seeming authority in Benin culture and tradition, especially palace procedures. He even pronounced himself the Head of the Royal family.
“The profanities and denigration that issued from him and his followers during our mourning period are better forgotten. During this period, he told all those who cared to listen to him that neither the Emwinekhua nor the consequent coronation could hold without him.
“The Iyase (Prime Minister of Benin Kingdom) sent for him to enable these matters to be discussed with him. He demurred. The council of chiefs also sent for him, yet, he refused to answer them.
“During Emwinekhua, he neglected and deliberately refused to perform his traditional duties before, during and after the event, and has since remained infinitely unrepentant.
“We cannot believe that anyone, any Benin individual who knows what the motivating Benin cultures and tradition are, and has worn the toga of a Benin Chief could do what Isekhurhe did these past two years. We find it difficult to accept even the idea that he is a chief. The disconnect has become actual and natural.
“We recommend in the circumstances therefore, that he be suspended; and with the authority of Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, Oba of Benin, he is with effect from today, 17th of January, 2017 suspended indefinitely from performing the duties of the Isekhurhe title which he now bears.”
The Isekhure is yet to comment on the development.
