The Edo State Government says the planned coronation of one Godwin Oguyenbo as the “Pere of Olodiama Kingdom” in Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State egregiously abominable, sacrilegious and criminal.
Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie, said this on Wednesday in reaction to an advert in a national daily on Tuesday.
The advert contained a congratulatory message to one Godwin Oguyenbo, for becoming “Pere of Olodiama Kingdom” in Edo State.
“The pronouncement constitutes an unprecedented affront to the long-settled culture, traditions, and norms of our people,” the SSG said.
“Government is of the view that the claim of such a non-existent title in a non-existent community under any guise is a clear and pre-meditated breach of our laws particularly the Traditional Rulers and Chiefs Law of Edo State which said Law sets out the list of all recognised Traditional Rulers and Chiefs in Edo State.”
The law makes it a criminal offence for any person to recognise or purport to install any person as a traditional ruler except as provided for under the law and, in fact, makes it an offence for any unqualified person to present or permit to be so addressed.
“This act is intended to precipitate strife and contestation leading inevitably to the breakdown of law and order in our dear State,” Ogie said, adding that Governor Godwin Obaseki had directed law enforcement agencies to arrest and prosecute all persons involved in the said coronation either as beneficiary, participant or sponsor.
“Edo State Government will not tolerate actions and pronouncements which seek to abuse the hospitality which our land offers. Let it be clearly noted that this Government will take all necessary steps to preserve our peace, enforce our Laws and defend our revered institutions. All those who intend to test the resolve of Government in this regard should be assured of the certainty that swift and severe sanctions will be the natural consequence of their unlawful acts,” Ogie said.
“Government calls on all citizens and or residents of the state, while remaining peaceful and Law abiding, to report all actual and potential breaches of the peace to the nearest Law Enforcement Agencies.”
