From Ighomuaye Lucky, Benin
The inhabitants of Uneme-Uzanu Kingdom in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, yesterday, warned those beating the drum of war in the community to desist and embrace the reality on ground for the peace and progress of the people.
Two stakeholders from the community,William Akuda a legal practitioner and Aminu Aku, the Waziri of Uneme-Uzanu Clan made this known in a press statement made available to Journalists in Benin.
The duo said that the information made available to them has shown that some individuals are fanning the embers of crisis in the community by trying to discredit the traditional stool of the Oliola for their personal gains.
The Edo state commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon Lucky Eseigbe recently called for peace in the community and also recognition of Chief Benjamin Ikani as Oliola of Uneme _ Uzanu.
Putting the records, the duo said the traditional stool of Oliola is divinely ordained institution, a symbol of the people’s spiritual heritage, cultural continuity, and communal unity, and must be treated with the utmost reverence and respect.
They said that the custodians and well-meaning sons and daughters of the Uneme Uzanu Kingdom have observed with grave concern the recent surge in deliberate misinformation, frivolous petitions, and orchestrated efforts aimed at undermining the sacred stool of the Oliola of Uneme Uzanu Kingdom.
They added that they have wished to state unequivocally that the throne of the Oliola is neither vacant nor for sale and it is not a political bargaining chip, nor is it open to opportunists driven by personal ambition or financial influence.
They noted that it is disturbing that certain individuals, with the unhealthy ambition to ascend the throne at all costs, have resorted to circulating baseless allegations and filing frivolous petitions with the sole aim of unseating His Royal Highness, the duly enthroned and widely respected Oliola of Uneme Uzanu.
According to the duo “The Oliola stool is not a title to be negotiated, hijacked, or politicized by selfish actors seeking to distract and divide our community.
“Any effort to mislead the public or discredit the revered institution of the monarchy will be firmly and lawfully resisted, with truth, justice, and tradition as our foundation.
“Those who seek to plunge our peaceful kingdom into crisis have failed, and they will continue to fail.
“Our kingdom’s legacy, collective values, and unwavering resolve stand in direct opposition to any attempt to disrupt the harmony of our land or diminish the dignity of the royal institution.
“This statement is not merely a response, it is a solemn declaration of our loyalty to His Royal Highness and our unwavering commitment to the peace, integrity, and sovereignty of the Uneme Uzanu Kingdom.
“We urge the media, civil society, government agencies, and the general public to disregard the false narratives and divisive tactics being propagated by mischief-makers. The truth is evident, and it stands with the people”,.
They said that the protection of the Oliola stool is not anchored solely in legal recognition or public sentiment, rather it is deeply rooted in ancestral covenant and divine authority.
They further warned that those persistently beating the drums of discord, should know that they hold no monopoly over influence, strategy, or force adding that, while the people of Uneme Uzanu are peace-loving and law-abiding, they are not passive in the face of provocation or treachery as any attempt to destabilize their kingdom will be met with resolute, collective, and lawful resistance.