The Concerned People of Benin Nation (CPBN) on Tuesday issued a seven-day ultimatum to Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki, to issue an unreserved written public apology to the Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo Oba Ewuare for what they termed, “sacrilegious disrespect” to the revered throne of the Benin Kingdom.
In a strongly worded press statement read by Prof. Amen Uhunmwangho which he signed along others including (Dr) Jacob Abusomwan,
Barr. Osarenkhoe
Leftist Agho Omobude
Mr. Iyamu Osaro Culture
Comrade Eseosa Omoregbee.
Chief Omuemu Etinosa.
Chief Friday Omoragbon
Rev Osamuyimen Isibor, the group said the apology, they insist, should also be published in at least three national newspapers.
The apology is one of the series of grievances the group is demanding immediate action for based on their claims of serious wrongs they said the governor has committed against the Benin Kingdom and its people.
The CPBN, representing a broad coalition of Edo State residents, also demands an immediate halt to the ongoing construction of a museum for repatriated Benin artefacts, which they claim is being built without the Oba’s approval.
Additionally, they call for the withdrawal of lawsuits allegedly filed by certain Enigie against the Omo N’Oba and the reallocation of lands and properties whose Certificates of Occupancy were revoked by the governor, affecting prominent individuals including Pst. Osagie Ize-Iyamu and Captain Hosa Okunbor.
Furthermore, the CPBN demands the return of communal lands they claim were illegally acquired by the state government, and the payment of salaries and allowances to 14 Edo State House of Assembly members who have been unconstitutionally denied their seats for four years.