The Edo State Government reiterated the stand of the prescription of the Okaigheles a few hours after the Benin palace raised eyebrows on the ban, insisting that the ban placed on Okaigheles (Youth Leaders) in Edo South communities remain.
Governor Godwin Obaseki had on Monday, 3 June, after a closed-door meeting with security chiefs in the State, announced the ban on Okaigheles over alleged involvement in cult-related activities.
He noted that the decision was part of a renewed effort to tackle cultism in the State, adding that no fewer than 150 people have been lost to cult-related activities and homicide in the last five months.
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However, the Benin palace made a statement on Friday, 7 June, saying that Okaigheles across the seven local government areas in the State had not been banned, noting that they represent a segment of the aged-long Benin traditional administrative structure.
According to the statement, the Obazelu of Benin, Chief Osaro Idah, pronounced while addressing protesting Edo South Okaigheles, who sought the palace’s intervention.
Idah assured that “the Palace will dialogue with the government over the contentious issue”.
But, the state government, in a statement on Saturday evening by the Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Osa Nehikhare, insisted that the ban on Okaigheles remained in force, adding that the decision was taken in the best interest of public safety.
The statement reads: “The Edo State Government hereby reaffirms its decision to ban the activities of Okaigheles and cultists in Edo South communities due to the alarming rise in cult-related activities and the resulting homicides in the region.
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