Governance and Developments
The Politics of Oghio’n’Oba: The Deafening Silence from Government House and Oshiomhole
When the tortoise plots against the king, it forgets that the earth has ears.
The recent desecration attempt against the sacred customs of the Benin Kingdom has opened old wounds – wounds that trace back to the very meaning of Oghio’n’Oba – “the enemy of the Oba.”
This term did not emerge from idle gossip or political jest. It was born from betrayal – a betrayal that once shook the ancient Benin Kingdom to its roots. History tells us that in the late 19th century, a certain Chief Agho Obaseki, the then Iyase of Benin, turned his back on the royal throne during the turbulent years that led to the British invasion of 1897.
For his treachery, the people branded him Oghio’n’Oba. From that day, the word became a curse upon anyone who dared to defy the sacred authority of the Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo – the Oba of Benin.
Fast forward to the 21st century, and history seems to be repeating itself.
During the administration of Governor Godwin Obaseki, the political elite weaponized that same ancient insult – Oghio’n’Oba. They accused Governor Obseki of being at odds with the palace, of disregarding the revered traditions of the Benin Kingdom. The opposition – especially members of the APC – milked this sentiment for political capital, portraying Obaseki as a cultural rebel. They claimed his alleged disobedience echoed that of his treacherous ancestor.
But as the elders say, “When you point one finger, four others point back at you.” Today, in a shocking twist of fate, those same accusers now stand accused – not by politicians, but by the spirit of Edo itself.
The Iyaloja Debacle: A Cultural Invasion in Broad Daylight
On October 1st, 2025, while Nigerians celebrated Independence Day, a quieter and darker drama unfolded in the Festival Hall of Edo Government House. There, Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, the daughter of Nigeria’s President, breezed into Benin to perform what can only be described as a cultural coup.
With chants and Yoruba rites alien to Edo soil, she “installed” one Pastor Josephine Ibhaguezejele as the Iyaloja of Benin Markets – a title unknown, unrecognized, and unwelcomed in the traditions of Benin.
During the inauguration ceremony of Edo State Market Leaders at Festival Hall, Government House, Benin City, the Executive Governor of Edo State, Sen. Monday Okpebholo who was represented by the Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani, reiterated the administration’s dedication to providing essential resources to empower market women and men, while fostering an environment that promotes unity, peace and progress. Photo Credit: Edo State Government
The event was not done in secrecy. It was held under the full glare of cameras – on government property, no less. In attendance were key figures of the Edo State Government, including Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole, the Commissioner for Health, and son of former Edo Governor, Adams Oshiomhole. Others in attendnce include: Chief Barr. Bisi Idaomi, Commissioner for Women Affairs; and Amb. Betty Benson Okoebor, the APC Women Leader. They delivered glowing speeches at the event.
Curiously, Governor Okpebholo was absent. Though his relative, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo-Anani, the coordinator of the Office of the First Lady of Edo State, represented him. All these were clear indications that this was a state-sanctioned event.
The Palace Stands Firm
After their show at Government House, the entourage marched arrogantly to the Oba’s palace – a house that has stood for over 800 years, surviving the British raid, colonialism, and modern politics. There, they sought the Oba’s blessing for what they had already done.
But the Oba, ever the guardian of Edo heritage, drew a sacred line in the sand. With the calm but thunderous authority of his ancestors, he declared: “There is no title called Iyaloja in the Benin Kingdom. It is alien to our culture”.
He called upon one of his chiefs to school the visitors in the traditions they had just trampled. The hall fell silent. The deceit was exposed. The gods were appeased.
Across Benin, women danced. Market women sang praises to the Oba. Social media erupted in jubilation. The cultural invasion had been stopped at the palace gates. As the saying goes, “A river that forgets its source will dry up.”
The Deafening Silence
Yet, amid the uproar and relief, one thing stands out – the chilling silence from Government House.
Not a single statement to clarify their role. Not a word of apology. Not even a timid attempt to delete the event from the government’s website.
Even more disturbing is the silence from Adams Oshiomhole, whose son – the Commissioner for Health – had time to attend the Iyaloja coronation but not to resolve a boundary crisis between the Edo Specialist Hospital and the MOWA Project. A conflict that the deputy governor, Dennis Idahosa, was resolving at the same time the commissioner of health was frolicking with market women.
The question is: What business does a Commissioner for Health have at a market chieftaincy installation? Who sent him? Was he there on government orders, or on family duty? Those who once roared about Obaseki’s “disrespect” for the palace now sit in hypocritical silence.
Oghio’n’Oba Revisited
So, who is the Oghio’n’Oba now? Who has truly offended the throne? Who has opened the gate for outsiders to tamper with our sacred traditions?
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As elders warn, “When a crack appears in the wall, the lizard will enter.” The lizard, in this case, is not Folashade Tinubu – she only went where she was invited. The real culprits are those who opened the door, handed her the keys, and watched as she mocked our heritage inside the Government House.
This is not politics. This is cultural treachery.The Benin throne is not a platform for political appeasement. It is a divine institution, older than Nigeria itself, sanctified by centuries of blood, war, and wisdom.
The Verdict of History
History is watching. Just as Obaseki was branded Oghio’n’Oba for a mere misunderstanding, today’s actors may wear that crown far more deservedly. For they have done worse, they have invited outsiders to plant foreign customs on Benin soil.
As our ancestors say, “If you dance for the masquerade of another land, don’t be surprised when your own people stop clapping.” Silence can be political strategy, but in this case, silence is guilt.
So, we ask again: Where is the voice of Government House? Where is Oshiomhole? Where are those who once called themselves defenders of the Oba’s honour? Until they speak, the people of Edo will continue to ask: Who, truly, is the Oghio’n’Oba now?
Photo Credit: Office Of The First Lady Edo State
Screenshot of a page on the official Website of the Edo State Government
