In a significant development, the House of Representatives has taken decisive action to address the brewing crisis between Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State and Oba Ewuare II of Benin.
The decision to establish an ad hoc committee was made on Tuesday, prompted by a motion of urgent public importance presented by Billy Osawaru and four other members.
Osawaru, while presenting the motion, expressed concerns about a deliberate effort to fragment the kingdom into smaller chiefdoms. He emphasized that the Oba of Benin traditionally presides over the entire Benin South Senatorial District, appointing chiefs to oversee various areas through the Benin Traditional Council.
"The Oba of Benin, with the support of Chiefs appointed by him, exercises his customary dominionship over the Benin Kingdom through the Benin Traditional Council, as the only competent traditional authority in Edo South Senatorial District," Osawaru explained.
Worryingly, Osawaru pointed out that the state government's actions seemed to be aimed at establishing a parallel customary council without just cause.
"Without any cause, the Government of Edo State has announced its intention to institute a 'new regime' by creating new traditional councils in the said seven Local Government areas of Edo South Senatorial District," he remarked.
In response to these concerns, the House of Representatives has opted to form an Ad Hoc Committee. The committee's primary responsibility is to engage with both the Government of Edo State and the Benin Traditional Council to find an amicable resolution to the conflict arising from the state government's plans.
Additionally, the committee has been tasked with liaising with the National Security Adviser (NSA), the Nigeria Police Force, and other Federal Government Security Forces in Edo State. Their goal is to raise awareness about the necessity of preventing any violent disruptions of law and order in Edo South and the state as a whole, given the state government's proposed initiatives.
The House has set a deadline for the committee to report back, requiring them to provide their findings and recommendations within one month. This move underscores the urgency and seriousness with which the House of Representatives views the situation, emphasizing the need for swift and effective resolution to maintain peace and stability in the region.
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