The Oba of Benin, Omo N’ Oba N’ Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, has advocated for Nigeria to explore the legalization of cannabis for medical and economic benefits.
The Benin monarch who advocated for the policy shift when the Edo State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mr. Alumona Obioma, visited him, asserted that the move will allow Nigeria to capitalize on the medicinal potentials of cannabis, as practiced in countries like Israel and the United States.
Oba Ewuare II encouraged the NDLEA and National Food, Drug Adminiatration and Control (NAFDAC) to look beyond the enforcement against cannabis use and consider how regulated cannabis use can advance medical research and treatment in Nigeria.
As a leading advocate for NDLEA’s anti-drug efforts, he suggested that cannabis legalization can position Nigeria as a leader in pharmaceutical innovation and provide new avenues for health solutions while creating economic opportunities.
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Addressing the issues of illegal drug trade, Oba Ewuare 11 emphasized that a well-regulated cannabis industry would help tackle unregulated sales and dangerous counterfeit drugs currently circulating in Nigeria.
Recalling his diplomatic efforts to improve Nigeria’s image internationally, he pledged the support of the traditional institution in the NDLEA’s mission, while urging the government to consider progressive reforms.
Earlier, the Edo State NDLEA Commander, Mr. Alumona Obioma, expressed appreciation for the Oba’s support and highlighted challenges such as poor infrastructure and logistics affecting the operations of the NDLEA.
He further noted the agency’s commitment to addressing the social impact of drug crimes, including addiction, cultism, and other violent crimes, which cannabis legalization and regulation might help mitigate.
