The Benin Traditional Council (BTC) has clarified that Enigie in the Benin Kingdom are permitted by tradition to confer only two chieftaincy titles — Ihama and Enobore — warning that any other titles created by them violate Benin customs and may contravene Edo State law.
Frank Irabor, Secretary of the BTC, made the clarification in a press statement issued on Thursday, following reports that some Enigie had created additional chieftaincy titles in their respective villages.
Key Highlights
- The Benin Traditional Council says Enigie can confer only Ihama and Enobore titles.
- The council warns that other titles created by Enigie are inconsistent with Benin customs and tradition.
- The BTC says unauthorised chieftaincy titles may violate the Edo State Traditional Rulers and Chiefs Law.
- Enigie, Odionwere and groups of people have also been cautioned against suspending traditional officeholders without Palace authority.
- The council identifies the Oba of Benin as the customary authority empowered to approve or direct such suspensions.
- Disputes involving Enigie, Odionwere and Ohen should be reported to the Palace for customary arbitration.
BTC Clarifies Chieftaincy Titles Enigie Can Confer
In the statement, Irabor said the council had become aware that some Enigie were creating chieftaincy titles in their villages, a practice he described as contrary to the customs and traditions of the Benin Kingdom.
“The Benin Traditional Council wishes to state by way of clarification that only IHAMA and ENOBORE chieftaincy titles are allowed by tradition to be conferred by Enigie,” the statement said.
The council warned that other chieftaincy titles created and conferred by Enigie were inconsistent with Benin customs and tradition and could violate the Edo State Traditional Rulers and Chiefs Law.
According to the BTC, such titles are not recognised under the kingdom’s customary practices and should not be created or conferred by Enigie.
The council urged Enigie to comply with established traditions and applicable law to avoid possible embarrassment and disputes.
BTC Warns Against Unauthorised Suspension of Traditional Rulers
The Benin Traditional Council also raised concerns about what it described as the unacceptable practice of Enigie, Odionwere or groups of people suspending one another within the Benin Kingdom.
The council clarified that it was not customary for an Enogie to suspend an Odionwere, for an Odionwere to suspend an Enogie, or for individuals or groups to suspend either officeholder without the direct authority of the Palace.
The BTC said the same principle applied to the suspension of an Ohen, stressing that such matters must follow established customary procedures.
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Oba of Benin Holds Customary Authority Over Suspensions
The council stated that the Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, the Oba of Benin, is the prescribed customary authority empowered to affirm, confirm, approve or direct the suspension of an Enogie, Odionwere or Ohen, as applicable.
It emphasised that disputes involving traditional officeholders should be reported to the Palace for customary arbitration and appropriate action.
According to the statement, the Oba may preside over the proceedings alongside chiefs or delegate selected chiefs to hear the matter and make recommendations for his consideration.
The BTC urged traditional officeholders and community members to respect the established process, warning against actions that could undermine the customs and authority of the Benin Palace.
The clarification reinforces the council’s position on the conferment of chieftaincy titles and the handling of disputes involving traditional officeholders across the Benin Kingdom.
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