By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The Oba of Benin, Ewuare II and the Benin Traditional Council (BTC) have rejected a plan to install one Alhaji Danjuma Garba Binkola as the “Garkuwan Hausawan Benin” by one Alhaji Adamu Isah Adamu.
It was gathered that the council made their decision to reject the installation of the said “Garkuwan Hausawan Benin” known in a letter dated April 18, 2024, titled, “denunciation of plan to hold a turbaning ceremony in Benin City”, and signed by the Iyase of Benin Kingdom, Chief Sam Igbe, on behalf of the BTC.
Igbe in the letter addressed to the Edo State Director, Department of State Security (DSS), alleged that the said Alhaji Adamu Isah Adamu described himself as “His Royal Highness”.
According to the Iyase, the turbaning ceremony is scheduled to be held on May 5 at No. 7 Butcher Street, Off Mission Road, Benin City.
Igbe stressed that the planned turbaning ceremony was an unacceptable plan to desecrate the sacred Benin Traditional and Customary Law on Chieftaincy Matters, and unpalatable consequences for law and order in the State.
He noted that the planned installation of the “Garkuwan Hausawan Benin” amounts to a violation of Benin Traditional and Customary Law applicable to Chieftaincy Matters, and therefore must not be held under any circumstance
He stated that “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 Isah Adamu” and who describes himself as “Sarkin Hausawa” plans to perform a Turbaning ceremony in which one “Alh. Danjuma Garba Binkola” will be installed as “Garkuwan Hausawa Benin” on Sunday, May 5, 2024 at No. 7 Butcher Street, Off Mission Road, Benin City.
“The BTC hereby informs the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies as well as the general public that this planned event is a violation of Benin Traditional and Customary Law applicable to chieftaincy matters and therefore must NOT HOLD under any circumstances.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the BTC wishes to emphasise 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 not given consent to, or approved the turbaning or conferment of chieftaincy title by whatever name called on any individual by the name “Alh. Danjuma Garba Binkola”; or permitted any person by the name “His Royal Highness Alh. Adamu Isah Adamu” to hold any such ceremony in Benin City or any other part of Edo South Senatorial District, Edo State.”
However, the Iyase asked those involved in the planned “Garkuwan Hausawan Benin” installation ceremony to cancel their plan forthwith and refrain from violating the sanctity of the Benin Traditional and Customary Law.