After the Benin Traditional Council expressed concerns about the planned appointment of Alhaji Danjuma Binkola as the Hausa traditional ruler in Benin, the troubled Binkola has requested forgiveness.
Binkola, who was supposed to be installed on May 5, was captured in a widely circulated video pleading for forgiveness from the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II.
Speaking in Pidgin English in the video, Binkola claimed that he didn't fully understand the significance of his supposed appointment as the Garkuwan Hausawan Benin.
He explained, “I am familiar with the customs and traditions of the people of the state, as I was born and raised in Edo State, just like my father, Alhaji Garuba, who was also born and raised in Benin.
“I was unaware of the implications of my actions, as the person set to bestow the title on me only informed me that my role was to help him oversee the activities of the Hausa Community in Edo State and communicate with the palace in return.”
However, he appealed to the monarch for forgiveness, acknowledging that Edo State had been good to him.
The Benin Traditional Council issued a statement on Thursday cautioning against the planned turbaning of anyone as Garkuwan Hausawan Benin in Edo State.
The statement stated, “The BTC hereby notifies the Nigerian Police Force, other security agencies, and the public that this planned event goes against Benin Tradition and Customary Law related to chieftaincy matters and must not take place under any circumstances.
“As a result, the BTC warns the organizers of the installation against violating the sacredness of the Benin Traditional and Customary Law by calling off the scheduled ceremony.”
