Gbenro Adesina
The Edo State Government has condemned the proposed coronation of Idris Adanno, as the first Sultan of Shuwa Arab of Edo State, saying that the creation of the title is not known to law in the state as well as a direct assault on our tradition, custom and culture of Edo State.
The Shuwa Arab is an ethnic group from Borno State, the base of the deadliest world terrorist groups in Nigeria.
The people of Edo State are worried over the creation of Sultan in the state as it is seen as part of the strategies of Fulani to capture the state with the aim of Islamising the entire country.
In a statement dated August 19, 2021 and signed by the Secretary to the Edo State Government, Osarodion Ogie, said, the proposed coronation “would constitute a direct assault on the tradition, custom and culture of the people of Edo State, by individuals who clearly have sinister motives and are trying to abuse the well-known Edo hospitality by their act of sacrilege”.
According to the statement, the proposed coronation “is a potential threat to the peace and security of Edo Sate, with the capacity to cause a breakdown of law and order as citizens of the state are likely to be provoked by the obnoxious ceremony”.
“Under the Edo State Traditional Rulers and Chiefs Law, it is an offence for anyone to proclaim himself, or allow himself to be proclaimed as the holder of any traditional title not recognised under the said and/or without the approval of the appropriate authorities”, the statement added.
The state government has assured the indigenes of the state that firm and decisive action would be taken to prevent the actualisation of the illegal and sacrilegious act and that all the persons found to have been involved in the conception and/or execution of same would face the full wrath of the law.
However, in a swift reaction, the Shuwa Arabs in the state have claimed that Edo State Government and Oba of Benin, Ewuare, are aware of the coronation.
They pointed out that it is too late to stop the event because the coronation has already taken place and Adanno has been installed as Sultan in the State adding that the August 21 and 22 were just to hold a party in honour of the new Sultan.
Contrary to the claim of Shuwa Arabs, an invitation that went viral on social media said the coronation ceremony was slated for August 21 and 22, at Rialto Hotel, Eyaen, a suburb of Benin City, owned by Osazuwa Iduriase, a Duke in Benin Kingdom.
