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Ohanaeze Youth Council Criticizes Oba of Benin Over Suspension of Six Igbanke Monarchs

Published by Tope Fakinlede on May 1st, 2025.

Ohanaeze Youth Council Criticizes Oba of Benin Over Suspension of Six Igbanke Monarchs

The Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC) has issued a stern rebuke to the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, following his suspension of six traditional leaders from the Igbanke community in Edo State. The council described the move as an unjustified intrusion into the internal affairs of an Igbo-rooted community.

In a statement jointly signed by Secretary General Ifeanyichukwu Nweke and National Publicity Secretary Ukpabi Michael Authority, the OYC accused the Benin Traditional Council (BTC) of attempting to overwrite the cultural identity of Igbanke by forcibly aligning it with Benin heritage, despite its longstanding Igbo background.

The controversy stems from a letter dated April 30, 2025—signed by Oba Ewuare II and key Benin chiefs—ordering the suspension of six monarchs after Igbanke publicly reaffirmed its Igbo roots. The decision came days after the Okiko Uwa Sociocultural Group declared on April 23 that Igbanke has no historical connection to the Benin kingdom.

“It is deeply concerning that Oba Ewuare II would take punitive action against these leaders simply for affirming their authentic heritage,” the council’s statement said. “This overreach is unacceptable and must end.”

The OYC, under the leadership of Comrade Igboayaka O. Igboayaka, reiterated its broader agenda to unite Igbo communities beyond the traditional Southeast, extending its reach to Igbo populations in South-South and North Central states like Edo, Kogi, and Benue.

As part of this inclusion effort, the council highlighted the recent election of Comrade Azuka Oka Etumudon, a native of Igbanke, as its National Organizing Secretary—marking a milestone in integrating Igbanke into the wider Igbo sociopolitical framework.

“This marks the first time someone from Igbanke has been elected into the national leadership of Ohanaeze,” the council noted, calling it a significant step toward broader Igbo unity.

OYC leaders further called on the national leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, headed by Senator Azuta John Mbata, to amend its constitution to officially recognize Igbo communities in other states such as Bayelsa, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Kogi, and Benue.

They also emphasized Igbanke’s linguistic and cultural links with Ika-speaking Igbo communities, stating that the use of titles such as Eze, Obi, Okpara-Uku, Ndi-Ichie, and Ndi-Nze further proves the town’s Igbo identity—culturally and geographically distinct from Benin.

The council urged Edo State Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo to step in and caution the Oba against distorting Igbanke’s heritage.

“We stand firmly in defense of the Igbanke people and their right to their identity,” the OYC concluded. “No traditional or political force c

an erase their truth.”