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Group
Faults Igbinedion's Apology
A socio-cultural organisation in Edo State, the Otu
Ivbioto, comprising of the entire Binis, including the
chiefs, yesterday, described the apology tendered to the
Benin monarch, Oba Erediuwa by the suspended Esama of
Benin, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, as “bereft of
insincerity and remorse”, saying that it is therefore
rejected.
The organisation in a statement made available to
Vanguard in Benin, yesterday, analysed the apology
letter sent to the Oba by Chief Igbinedion and said “ it
was like an apology from one man to his mate.
As one of the Oba's Chiefs, he ought to be conversant
with Palace language. He should have known how to
address the Benin Monarch”.
It would be recalled that following his suspension by
the Oba of Benin early this year, Chief Igbinedion had
tendered an unreserved apology to the revered monarch
saying that “for whatever misdemeanor, real or imagined,
which has occasioned the ruptured relationship between
the palace and my good self.
Inspired by the pervading spirit of change and universal
peace and harmony, I salute his Royal Majesty, Oba of
Benin and custodian of Benin tradition and wish him long
life and more peaceful reign and unlimited prosperity
now and in the years ahead”.
But reacting in the state, Ot Ivbioto pointed out that
“he says “misdemeanor” was “imagined”. That does not
sound as an apology from a penitent subject who has
transgressed against his over-lord.
Being in that frame of mind, it is imponderable why he
took the pains to issue the so-called apology. It
appears he simply wished to dance to the gallery so that
the unwary may say, “after all, he has apologized to the
Oba”.
“If Igbinedion, indeed, wished to apologize honestly to
the monarch, he would not speak from both corners of his
mouth, or wait for a whole year until he was inspired by
a pervading spirit of change".
By the way, what change? The political change in America
or the one in Edo?
“Igbinedion is not even the highest in rank among the
Oba's Chiefs. But he sees himself as the political and
traditional head of Benin and therefore, takes upon
himself to wish his people (of Benin ) a“merry
Christmas”.
“It is sad that Igbinedion cannot shed his burden of
ostentation or cure his illusion of grandeur. Since he
was “inspired by the spirit of change” to apologise for
his offence against the monarch, an offence for which
his co-chiefs accused him, tried and found him guilty,
he should have done so whole-heartedly and not tongue
in-cheek.
“ He should have shown penitence, remorse, humility,
soberness and sincerity, not to speak from atop a high
horse. The so called apology holds no water. Igbinedion
is still in the clouds” it stated
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