By Osaro Matthew
The Edo State Government has made it clear that there can only be one government, reaffirming its position in banning and flushing out Okaigheles.
During the weekend, speaking on behalf of the Benin Palace, Chief Osaro Idah told protesting Okaigheles that they cannot be banned. The Obazelu of Benin said they belong to the Benin ancestors and cannot be banned by fiat.
On Sunday, 9 June 2024, Chris Nehikhare, the State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, spoke at the Military Base Hospital in Benin during a visit to wounded soldiers and a police officer who were shot by suspected cultists.
The commissioner said that the governor placed a ban on the Okaigheles, but some people told them to ignore the ban. According to him, there can only be one government at a time.
“A task force has been set up to neutralize the Okaigheles’ activities as the data available to us, provided by the State Security Council, shows that they are mostly responsible for threats to security in Edo,” he added.