The Oba of Benin, Ewuare ll, on Sunday stopped all planned solidarity protests by the coalition of the Benin socio-cultural organisations over the arrest, arraignment and remand of the Secretary of the Benin Traditional Council, Frank Irabor, and six others by the Edo State Police Command.
The organisations had scheduled a protest for Monday (today) in solidarity with the seven persons who were arrested and arraigned in a Benin High Court last Thursday.
The PUNCH reports that the alleged illegal demolition of over 80 houses in Ulegun, Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area of the state, on the order of Irabor led to a protest by the Ulegun community, which necessitated the arrest and prosecution of Irabor and six others.
The BTC, in a press statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Oba of Benin, Osaigbovo Iguobaro, and made available to journalists in Benin City on Sunday, said the reason for the planned protest was being addressed by the palace.
The statement read in part, “The attention of the Benin Traditional Council has been drawn to a planned solidarity gathering by the Coalition of Socio-Cultural Organisations over the arrest and detention of the Secretary, Benin Traditional Council, Frank Irabor, and some chiefs in the Benin Kingdom.
“While the palace appreciates their concern, let it be known that the palace of the Oba of Benin does not want such a gathering at this time, and consequently directs that the organisers of the gathering halt the exercise immediately.
“The issue in question that led to their arrest is being resolved. In this regard, nobody or a group of persons should gather in the Oba of Benin Palace or anywhere in the Benin Kingdom.
“This announcement is important for all those concerned to comply please.”
