By Elvis Omoregie, Benin

The Benin Traditional Council (BTC) has suspended some traditional functionaries of the Palace of the Oba of Benin from performing their traditional role.

They are Johnbull Igbinosun; Iduhonre (Ihogbe); S. E. Aigbiromwen;   Efeseoghoba (Ogbelaka); Ogbeide Osagie and Osamudiame Edo.

A statement by the Iyase of Benin, Chief Sam Igbe, indicated that the suspension was on the authority of His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II, the Oba of Benin.

According to the statement, the suspension was occasioned by their distorting of historical facts on the connection between the Benin Royal Dynasty and the Ooni-ship of Ife while they were in the presence of the Ooni of Ife claiming to be emissaries of the Oba of Benin.

“The individuals not only declared themselves as subjects of the Ooni, but also rendered inaccurate and disjointed accounts of the connection between the Benin Royal Dynasty and the Ooni-ship of Ife.

“The BTC considered the conduct of these functionaries as inappropriate, sacrilegious and calculated to ridicule traditional history and to bring disrepute to the Benin custom.”

The statement titled, “Sacrilegious Conduct Against Benin Custom by a Group of Self-Serving Traditional Functionaries,” described the action of the persons as ‘Sacrilegious show of shame and falsehood against the Benin tradition and Custom.’

While urging the general public to disregard the inaccurate and disjointed account by the ‘ill-bred’ individuals, the BTC also advised the public to avail themselves of the official account of the connection between the two ancient monarchies as contained in the book, “I Remain Sir, Your  Obedient Servant,” authored by His Royal Majesty, Erediauwa 11, Oba  of Benin, 1979 to 2016.

By Barth Ndubuwah, Port Harcourt

Indorama, Petrochemicals Limited has reaffirmed commitment to workplace safety, as it refuted negligence allegations levelled against it by one David Diepreye, an injured site worker of one of its contractors.

Briefing the Press at Eleme, the Company’s Headquarters in Rivers State, the Head Corporate Communications, Dr Jossy Nkwocha said the accident victim worked for SPEO Nig. Limited, a service contractor to Indorama Fertilizer Limited and as such, is not a staff of Indorama.

Nkwocha said that an accident had occurred on the 23rd of Dec. 2020 involving Diepreye, a Masher employed by SPEO Nig. Ltd and deployed to Indorama loading bay.

He said the victim during the accident sustained injury on both legs.

The Company’s Spokesman pointed out that Indorama was the first responder to the incident as it administered necessary first aid to the victim at the company’s clinic from where he was transferred to Rehoboth Medical Hospital, an SPEO retainer hospital where he was given orthopaedic treatment.

He also noted that at the time of the accident, SPEO was not registered with the National Social Insurance Trust Fund and as such was not covered by the Employee Compensation Act which also deprived the victim from accessing accruable benefits of workplace accidents.

“Consequently, on compassionate ground, Indorama took over the victims medical bills and also ensured that he remained on its payroll till date, his salary has been paid up to date,” Nkwocha said.

He further explained that the victim continued taking treatment as an outpatient after over two years of receiving corrective surgery co-sponsored by his direct employer (SPEO) and Indorama.

Nkwocha however, revealed that the victim had instituted a lawsuit against his parent company (SPEO) and Indorama demanding further medical attention valued at N8.5m legal fee.

He said that further investigation with the Claimant’s lawyer, SPEO and the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) which was expected to handle the corrective surgery revealed that the cost implications of the surgery was N1.9m.

According to him, dissatisfied with the process chosen for his surgery, the victim resorted to allegations and maligning Indorama’s reputation even when he was not a direct employee.

…Says State will witness development during his tenure

The Governor of Delta State, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori has pledged to operate an inclusive governance.

This is as the Governor also assured citizens of sustainable development and transformation of the state with the efficient implementation of his administration’s MORE Agenda.

The Governor spoke when he received on a congratulatory and solidarity visit, the State Advisory and Peace Building Council led by Professor Sam Oyovbaire, at Government House, Asaba.

According to Oborevwori, “Building a new Delta State was possible with the input of leaders and all other stakeholders from the three senatorial districts and pledged to carry everybody along in the scheme of things.”

He said the evident voluntary expression of joy by people from all corners of the state, following the affirmation of his election by the Supreme Court was a clear indication that he was loved by Deltans, assuring that he would remain a servant-leader.

The Governor also expressed delight at the visit, commended the elder statesmen for their support and prayers, assuring that his administration would work to revamp infrastructure in the state.

He praised the Advisory and Peace building Council noting that it was populated with men and women of proven integrity, and charged them to offer suggestions that would enrich and align the policy direction of his administration.

He said the visit would not only spur him to do more through his development blueprint, but afforded him the opportunity to tap from their fountain of knowledge.

“I want to gain from the fountain of knowledge of these great leaders, hence we selected these outstanding individuals and great leaders. So, it is a great joy to me as you have come to congratulate me.

“You see the effect of the victory on our people. They celebrated the victory in all the 25 local government areas, it was spontaneous and profound.

“I have said I am going to be governor for all Deltans and I will continue to serve this state in line with my M.O.R.E Agenda. I want to assure you that your son will continue to serve this state as a servant-leader in line with my M.O.R.E Agenda.

“You are aware that in the last 20 years, it was only recently, in fact, this December, that there was a peaceful celebration of Christmas and New Year in the Warri area because of the peace that we are enjoying and we will continue to sustain that peace as we move forward.

“It is my prayer that you will not labour in vain; you will witness the transformation of this state, into a new Delta, because that is your dream and I want to assure you that I will not disappoint you and I will not disappoint Deltans.

“Your advice is very key to this administration. I want to be getting advice from you; when you hold your meetings, feel free to tell us where we are doing well as a government and it will encourage us to do more.”

“Where we are not doing well, you tell us. Nobody knows it all; so, we need to tap from the wealth of your experience,” Oborevwori said.

Earlier, Professor Oyovbaire said that the victory of Oborevwori had rekindled the faith of the people in the judicial system in the pursuit of justice, adding that the victory laid to rest undue distraction of the Governor in the governance of the people.

“The victory puts to rest undue distraction of Your Excellency in governance of our people and wasteful expenditure on the judicial exercise

“You can now renew your dedicated focus on your continuing good governance of our people as well as the conduct of state affairs in consonance with their overwhelming wishes and aspirations for more security and welfare,” Prof. Oyovbaire remarked.