By Osaro Matthew
The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, disagrees with the governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, on the ban of Okaigheles in the Edo South Senatorial district.
On 3 June 2024, Obaseki announced while speaking with journalists after a closed-door meeting with security chiefs in Benin City, the state capital, that the activities of Okaigheles (youth leaders) have been banned to tackle cultism in the state.
Chief Osaro Idah, the Obazelu of Benin, who spoke for the palace while addressing protesting Okaigheles who sought the palace’s intervention, assured them that they belong to the Benin ancestors and cannot be banned by fiat.
“Okaighele is not a new thing in Benin. It didn’t start in this century. As you have age grades and senior sons, so do we have them. When an Odionwere (village head) is appointed by the Oba, Okaighele assists the Odionwere in the daily administration of the domain,” he added.
He also insisted that if any Okaighele is caught for wrongdoing, the palace will support the government in prosecuting such person(s).
The Okaigheles were also assured that the palace will dialogue with the state government over the contentious issue.