TELL Magazine

What would have resulted in a major crisis between the Benin traditional institution and the Hausa community in Edo State was on Friday averted following a public apology tendered to the Oba of Benin, Ewuare 11, by one Alhaji Danjuma Garba Binkola, whose planned installation as the ‘Garkuwan Hausawa Benin’ had been widely publicised. According to the invite sent out, the ceremony had been scheduled for Sunday May 5, 2024.

Recall that the Benin Traditional Council, BTC, in a public announcement on Thursday night signed by the Iyase of Benin Kingdom, had pilloried the organisers of the event which was described as a violation of the sanctity of the Benin Traditional and Customary Law, and called on “these errant individuals” to immediately cancel it. “Garkuwan Hausawa” means ‘the Shield of Hausa in Benin’.

However, without much ado, Binkola beat a dramatic retreat as he was seen in a viral video begging for the forgiveness of the Oba of Benin, claiming ignorance of the significance of the planned installation.

Speaking in Pidgin English, while he admitted knowing the traditions and customs of the people of the state as he was born and raised in Edo State just like his father, Alhaji Garuba, he however stated that he did not know the implications of his actions. According to him, the person who was to confer the title on him only told him that his role would be to assist him oversee the activities of the Hausa Community in Edo State which he then communicates to the palace. While therefore begging Oba Ewuare 11 to forgive him, he confessed that Edo has favoured him.

In its public announcement denouncing the planned ceremony, the BTC had stated that: “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 5th May 2024 at No. 7 Butcher Street, Off Mission Road, Benin City.

“The BTC hereby inform 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 wish to emphasise 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.

“Consequently, these errant individuals are hereby urged to refrain from violating the sanctity of the Benin Traditional and Customary Law by cancelling the planned ceremony forthwith”.