Obaseki/Shaibu: The Journey of Betrayal

Scene: 6 (The Palace Scene 1)

By Comrade Robinson Akhenoba

In the ancient City of Benin, where shadows of a turbulent past loom over the present, the saga of the stolen artifacts was thrown into the center of a storm brewing between Governor Obaseki and the revered Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Omo N'Oba N'Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo Oba Ewuare II, Obaseki gha kpere, ise.

As news spread like wildfire of the impending return of the long-lost treasures to their homeland, differing views emerged on where these symbols of a rich cultural heritage should find their resting place.

The Oba, with all the weight of tradition and history behind him, advocated for the artifacts to be housed within the sacred walls of the Benin Palace, where they could be revered and honored by generations to come. His vision painted a picture of a museum rising within the palace grounds, serving as a beacon of Benin's glorious past.

The clash of visions between Governor Obaseki and the revered Oba Ewuare II over the fate of the stolen artifacts cast a shadow over the kingdom of Benin. As the Oba stood firm in his belief that the treasures should find their home within the hallowed walls of the Benin Palace or in a museum managed by the federal and state governments, Governor Obaseki found himself at odds with tradition.

His preference for a private trust to oversee the custody and management of the ancient artworks sparked a fire of controversy that threatened to engulf the delicate balance of power in the region. In a bold move, Governor Obaseki chose to withhold the 4-month statutory allocation fund due to the Oba, a decision that sent shockwaves through the kingdom.

As tensions simmered and the rift between tradition and modernity deepened, the people of Benin watched with bated breath, their hearts torn between loyalty to a revered monarch and allegiance to a powerful leader. The fate of the stolen artifacts hung in the balance, their return becoming not just a matter of restitution but a symbolic battleground for the soul of a nation torn between the echoes of the past and the demands of the present.

Again the simmering tensions between Governor Obaseki and the revered Oba Ewuare II continued to escalate, this time, a new chapter of Benin kingdom division unfolded within the Oba palace. The resistance put up by the Oba against the possession of the stolen artifacts and his insistence on their return to a museum within the palace walls struck a chord with a section of the Enigie, or dukes, in the Benin Kingdom.

These Enigie, custodians of tradition and loyal subjects of the Oba, stood united in their allegiance to the palace of the Oba of Benin and Omo N’Oba N’Edu Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II. They viewed themselves as an extension of the palace, a direct link to the rich heritage and legacy of the Benin monarchs.

In a powerful display of unity and defiance against the attempts to divide their kingdom, the Enigie pledged their unwavering loyalty to the palace, vowing to uphold the traditions and values that have guided their people for generations. As their voices rose in unison, echoing through the ancient streets of Benin, a message of solidarity and strength reverberated through the land, reminding all who heard that the bonds of tradition and heritage could not be broken by the winds of change and politics.

As tensions between Governor Obaseki and the Oba of Benin continued to simmer, another intrigue unfolded with the involvement of Philip Shaibu, who found himself at the center of an unexpected turn of events. Despite not being directly involved in the feud between Obaseki and the Oba, Shaibu had a palace built for the Ogieneni of Uzairue kingdom and decided to commission it.

In a bold and surprising move, Shaibu extended a gracious invitation to the Oba of Benin and Governor Obaseki to attend the commissioning ceremony. To the amazement of many, the Oba not only honored the invitation but also shared a meal with Shaibu, affectionately referring to him as his son and expressing his satisfaction with the event. Such a display of camaraderie and closeness between the Oba and a political figure was rarely witnessed in the Benin kingdom, adding a touch of mystery and wonder to the unfolding narrative.

Meanwhile, Governor Obaseki's absence from the commissioning event raised eyebrows and further fueled the growing discord between him, Shaibu and the Oba palace. The rift between the governor and his deputy deepened as the unexpected bond between Shaibu and the Oba of Benin took center stage, hinting at shifting alliances and hidden motives within the political landscape of Benin. The feud between Obaseki and Shaibu added yet another layer of complexity to the intricate tapestry of power and influence in the realm.

Stay tuned for more revelation at 2pm

Comrade Robinson Akhenoba is the writer and publisher of The Political Evangelist

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