The Concerned People of Benin Nation (CPBN) on Tuesday, August 27, 20224, demanded a public apology from the Edo State governor, Godwin Obaseki, for allegedly disrespecting the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II.
The group accused the governor of alleged “sacrilegious disrespect” to the revered throne of the Benin Kingdom.
Speaking at a news conference, the group’s leader, Amen Uhunmwangho, said the governor has seven days to publish the apology which must be written and disseminated in at least three national newspapers.
Mr Uhunmwangho, who explained that the CPBN represented a broad coalition of Edo State residents, also demanded an immediate halt to the ongoing construction of a museum for repatriated Benin artefacts.
He noted that the museum was being built without the approval of the Benin traditional ruler.
“We call for the withdrawal of lawsuits filed by certain Enigie against the Omo N’Oba and the reallocation of lands and properties whose Certificates of Occupancy were revoked by the governor.
“CPBN demands the return of communal lands that are illegally acquired by the state government, and the payment of salaries.
“We also demand that the allowances to the 14 Edo State House of Assembly members who have been unconstitutionally denied their seats for four years should be paid,” he said.
