The Benin Monarch, Oba Ewuare II, has suspended Chief James Okponmwense, Ezomo (the Ezomo of Benin) from Uzama N’Ihiniron group.

The Secretary to the Benin Traditional Council, Frank Irabor, who stated this in a statement said the Chief was suspended as a result of his anti-palace activities and maintained that the suspension forbids him from exercising any authority over Uzebu community.

The statement read in part, “This is to inform the general public that Chief James Okponmwense Ezomo, the Ezomo of Benin was suspended on 24th of January, 2022 by his group – UZAMA N’IHINRON, headed by Chief Oliha of Benin. His suspension has been ratified by His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, Oba of Benin.

“Chief James Okponmwense Ezomo, the Ezomo of Benin is therefore forbidden to exercise any authority over Uzebu community. This is a result of his anti-Palace activities.”

Meanwhile, the Benin monarch has appointed Osaigbovo Iguabaro, (Secretary of the correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, Edo State Council and the Peoples Daily correspondent) as the Chief Press Secretary to the Palace.

Irabor in another statement said, “This is to inform the general public that Mr Osaigbovo Iguabaro has been appointed as the Chief Press Secretary to His  Royal Majesty, Omo N’ Oba N’ Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare ll, Oba of Benin.”