The Benin Traditional Council has objected to Alhaji Adamu Isah Adamu’s proposed installation of Alhaji Danjuma Garba Binkola as the “Garkuwan Hausawan Benin.”
Platinum Times reports that a letter dated April 18, 2024, titled, “denunciation of plan to hold a turbaning ceremony in Benin City”, was signed by Chief Sam Igbe, Iyase of Benin Kingdom, on behalf of the Benin Traditional Council.
The letter addressed to the Edo State Director, Department of State Security, DSS, alleged that the said Alhaji Adamu Isah Adamu described himself as “His Royal Highness”.
Igbe, said the turbaning ceremony is scheduled to hold on Sunday, May 5, 2024 at No. 7 Butcher Street, Off Mission Road, Benin City.
The Iyase of Benin, opined that the planned turbaning ceremony was an unacceptable plan to desecrate the sacred Benin Traditional and Customary Law on Chieftaincy Matters, and unpalatable consequences for law and order in the State.
He also added that it was a violation of Benin Traditional and Customary Law applicable to Chieftaincy Matters, and therefore must not hold under any circumstances.
According to him, it has come to the notice of the Benin Traditional Council (BTC) that an individual claiming to be known as “His Royal Highness Alh. Adamu Isah Adamu” and who describes himself as “Sarkin Hausawa” plans to perform a Turbaning ceremony in which one “Alh. Danjuma Garba Binkola” will be installed as “Garkuwan Hausawa Benin” on Sunday, May 5, 2024 at No. 7 Butcher Street, Off Mission Road, Benin City.
“The BTC hereby informs the Nigerian Police Force and other security agencies as well as the general public that this planned event is a violation of Benin Traditional and Customary Law applicable to chieftaincy matters and therefore must NOT HOLD under any circumstances.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the BTC wishes to emphasize that as the Prescribed Authority on Chieftaincy Matters within the Seven Local Government Areas of Edo South Senatorial District, the Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, His Royal Majesty Ewuare II, Oba of Benin has not given consent to, or approved the turbaning or conferment of chieftaincy title by whatever name called on any individual by the name “Alh. Danjuma Garba Binkola”; or permitted any person by the name “His Royal Highness Alh. Adamu Isah Adamu” to hold any such ceremony in Benin City or any other part of Edo South Senatorial District, Edo State”, he said.
He, however, urged those involved in the planned turbaning ceremony to refrain from violating the sanctity of the Benin Traditional and Customary Law by cancelling the planned ceremony forthwith.