Edo Govt condemns planned coronation of ‘Sultan of Edo State’

The Edo State Government has condemned, the planned coronation of Idriss Addano as the ‘Sultan of Shuwa Arab of Edo State’.

An invitation for the coronation ceremony which has since gone viral shows that the Shuwa Arabs ethnic group from Borno is set to install Idris Addano as the Sultan of Shuwa Arab of the entire Edo State.

The coronation ceremony was slated to hold on Saturday, 21 August 2021, at Rialto Hotel, Eyaen, in Benin City.

However, the planned coronation has generated several outrages from the residents and indigenes of Edo state, many noting that they can not be another traditional ruler in the state apart from the already existing ones.

A statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Osarodion Ogie, described the purported move as illegal, sacrilegious, and a threat to peace and security in the state.

“The Edo State Government has been inundated with complaints from indigenes and residents of the state over the purported move to embark on the coronation of one Idriss Addano as ‘Sultan of Shuwa Arab of Edo State,” the statement read.

“The Edo State Government wishes to state as follows: That whether or not this event is held at the said, or any other location within the state, it would constitute a direct assault on the traditions, custom and culture of the people of Edo State, by individuals who clearly have sinister motives and are trying to abuse the well-known Edo hospitality by their act of sacrilege

“That it is a potential threat to the peace and security of Edo State, with the capacity to cause a breakdown of law and order as citizens of the state are likely to be provoked by the obnoxious ceremony

“Under the Edo State Traditional Rulers and Chiefs Law, it is an offense for anyone to proclaim himself, or allow himself to be proclaimed as the holder of any traditional title not recognized under the said law and/or without the approval of the appropriate authorities.

“The state government hereby wishes to assure all concerned that firm and decisive action will be taken to prevent the actualization of this illegal and sacrilegious act and that all persons found to have been involved in the conception and/or execution would face the full wrath of the law

“The Edo State Government, therefore, calls on all citizens to be calm, law-abiding and rest assured that government is firmly on top of the situation,” the statement assured.