In a manner akin to the Biblical prodigal son, some rebellious Enigie (Dukes; singular Enogie) have voluntarily returned and pledged their allegiance to the great Benin throne.

A statement by Mr Iguobaro Osaigbovo, Chief Press Secretary to Oba to Benin, Oba Ewuare II, on Sunday, said the pledge followed an alleged dramatic and failed coup to balkanize Benin Kingdom.

He recalls that the Dukes claimed to have been misled in signing the purported letter in November, 2022, requesting the Edo State government to create a parallel Benin Traditional Rulers Council (BTC) for the seven Benin-speaking Local Government Areas, which make up Edo South Senatorial district.

In line with his fatherly disposition, Ewuare II has accepted the apology of the Dukes and extended a hand of fellowship to them in the distribution of foodstuffs.

In an interview with newsmen, HRH Sylvester Ogiesoba, the Enogie of Ogua village, and HRH Imagbenikaro Ekhosuehi, the Enogie of Oka N’ Izevbihen, both in Ikpoba-Okha local government area of the state, thanked Oba Ewuare II for the gesture.

Also speaking, HRH Orobosa Agbongiazowe, the Enogie of Isievbe village, and HRH Usuanlele Iyengumena, the Enogie of Uma village, both in Uhunmwode Local government Area of Edo State, appreciated the Oba for the foodstuffs and prayed God and the ancestors to bless him.

Speaking on behalf of the traditional rulers, the Enogie of Ehor village, HRH Ehigiamusoe Igiehon, his counterpart in Ihovbo village, both in Uhunmwode local government area, thanked the Oba of Benin for his kind gesture.

Others who also benefited from Oba’s kind gesture were the Priests of deities of various categories, including, Ohen-Awan of Ivbiotor village, Mr Egharevba Igbinehi; Ohen of Ikhuen-Obo, Mr Ekpen Aighobahi,  and Ohen Ovia of Unuamen N’ Igbinesigie, as well as Ohen Iye-Ewuare, Asenogua N’ Ohan-Obamumwen in Amufi village. (NAN)