The Benin Traditional Council has objected to the planned appointment of Alhaji Danjuma Binkola as the Hausa traditional ruler (Garkuwan Hausawan Benin) by Alhaji Isah Adamu.
A letter dated April 18, 2024, titled, “Denunciation of plan to hold a turbaning ceremony in Benin City,” was signed by the Iyase of Benin Kingdom, Chief Sam Igbe, on behalf of the Benin Traditional Council, expressing opposition to the scheduled turbaning ceremony.
The letter, addressed to the Edo State Director, Department of State Services, claimed that Alhaji Adamu referred to himself as “His Royal Highness.”
Igbe mentioned that the turbaning ceremony is set to take place on Sunday, May 5, 2024, at No. 7 Butcher Street, Off Mission Road, Benin City.
According to the Iyase of Benin, the planned turbaning ceremony is seen as an unacceptable action that defies the sacred Benin Traditional and Customary Law on Chieftaincy Matters and could lead to disorder in the state.
He added that this violates the Benin Traditional and Customary Law regarding Chieftaincy Matters and must not happen under any circumstances.
He mentioned, “The Benin Traditional Council has been informed that an individual claiming to be known as ‘His Royal Highness Alh. Adamu Isah Adamu’ and who describes himself as ‘Sarkin Hausawa’ plans to carry out a turbaning ceremony introducing 'Alhaji Danjuma Garba Binkola’ as ‘Garkuwan Hausawa Benin’ on Sunday, May 5 2024 at No. 7 Butcher Street, Off Mission Road, Benin City.
“The BTC notifies the Nigerian Police Force, other security agencies, and the general public that this planned event violates the Benin Traditional and Customary Law for chieftaincy matters and must not occur.
“The BTC clarifies that as the 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 approval for the turbaning or conferment of chieftaincy title 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.
However, he urged those involved in the planned turbaning ceremony to respect the rules of the Benin Traditional and Customary Law by cancelling the planned ceremony immediately.
