The Benin Traditional Council has expressed strong opposition to the proposed installation of Alhaji Danjuma Garba Binkola as the “Garkuwan Hausawan Benin” by Alhaji Adamu Isah Adamu.
In a letter dated April 18, 2024, titled “Denunciation of Plan to Hold a Turbaning Ceremony in Benin City,” Chief Sam Igbe, the Iyase of Benin Kingdom, representing the Benin Traditional Council, addressed his concerns to the Edo State Director of the Department of State Security (DSS). The letter highlighted that Alhaji Adamu Isah Adamu has self-styled himself as “His Royal Highness.”
Chief Igbe outlined that the ceremony is set to take place on Sunday, May 5, 2024, at No. 7 Butcher Street, Off Mission Road, Benin City.
The Iyase emphasized that the ceremony poses a serious threat to the sanctity of Benin’s traditional and customary laws concerning chieftaincy matters and warned of potential adverse effects on law and order in the state.
He stressed that such a ceremony violates the traditional and customary laws of Benin concerning chieftaincy and must not be allowed to proceed 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.