By Ighomuaye Lucky. O
The Benin Forum of Patriots has given terms of reference to the over 80 notable sons and daughters of the Benin Kingdom selected by it to midwife and ensure that the prolonged crises rocking the Benin Kingdom are resolved in no distance time.
The group disclosed this during a press conference in Benin.
Recall that the group had earlier selected Chief Sam Igbe, the Iyase of Benin Kingdom, Edion Oliha – Oliha of Benin Kingdom, Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion- Esama of Benin Kingdom, Bishop Margaret Idahosa, Bishop P. O. J. Idahosa and others to be those who would meet to look into the immediate and remote causes of the crises.
The convener of the forum, Imasuen Amowie Izoduwa, said in the past six years, they have noticed a sharp schism among the Benins occasioned by politics and traditional adherence as the Benins have been pitched against each other based on political conviction or traditional institution sustenance.
Izoduwa said that the Benin Kingdom survived its invasion by the British in 1897 despite its havoc adding that what destroys a nation or kingdoms more is its internal crisis if it is not attended to on time.
“Ladies and gentlemen, it is true that the British invaded Benin Kingdom in 1897 and our sovereignty was forcefully taken from us but the Benins and its overlord survived till this very moment but what history has reminded that internal crises has caused more damage to our people than any external war or conflicts, all great nations of the world most of them didn’t survive self-implosion caused by internalization of conflicts which was left unattended to or quickly resolved.
“Benin kingdom has been troubled for the past six years and the world now stand and mock us because this once envied kingdom with the greatest monarch on earth is now being portrayed as a laughing stalk amongst other recognized old civilizations like Benin, hence our thoughts to wade in not to resolve the crises as we are not eligible for that position yet, as the Benin says “Ovbokhan vbe sukpe vbe owewe” translated as “A child has no right to be partaker of discussions reserved for the elderly”, Izoduwa said.
Izoduwa added that to find a lasting solution to the crises, the group has given the notable sons and daughters of the Benin Kingdom some terms of reference that could possibly serve as a guide.
He said the terms of reference include to ensure the de-escalation of the current tension in the kingdom, to ensure all hostilities cease from all sides, to ensure the throne of the Oba of Benin is well revered and protected, to put His Majesty in the know of all the happenings in the kingdom and steps currently being taken to remedy the situation.
Others are to interface with all aggrieved parties and find lasting solution to a peaceful and united Benin Kingdom, set up a panel of elders for the purpose of quickly intervention on matters between two conflicting Benins going forward, design strategies to stop the use of denigrating words on the throne by the Benins and make efforts to recalibrate the minds of Benins to move past the outcome of the last gubernatorial election in the state.
Izoduwa added that, the impression of the group is to ensure that only the elders that are capable of settling whatever rancour the Benins currently have amongst themselves most especially on the social media space and unite every children of the Oba of Benin to their father.
He said the process is exclusive under the principles and wisdom of these arrays of elders in Benin Kingdom, hence their carefully selection across different fields; such as Chiefs of the kingdom, religious rulers, political leaders, business tycoons, legal practitioners, traditional priests, etc.
