A fresh wave of controversy has hit Edo State as the state’s Commissioner for Information, Kassim Afegbua, has alleged that Governor Godwin Obaseki demanded that the Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, sign a letter ceding authority and power to him.

Afegbua made this shocking revelation while speaking on the ongoing political and traditional tussle in the state, claiming that the governor’s insistence on centralizing control was what triggered the current rift between the Benin Palace and the Edo State Government.

“Obaseki wanted the Oba to sign a letter ceding authority and power to him, and when the Oba refused that, he went bonkers, and that was the genesis of this whole altercation,” Afegbua stated.

The statement adds a dramatic twist to the ongoing tensions between the state government and the Benin monarchy, which have drawn public concern and condemnation from cultural and political stakeholders.

According to Afegbua, Governor Obaseki’s alleged attempt to undermine the revered traditional institution was met with firm resistance from the palace, which has maintained that the Benin Kingdom’s heritage and authority cannot be compromised.

Observers say this revelation could further widen the divide between the government and traditional institutions in the state, especially as political campaigns begin to heat up ahead of the next election season.

So far, the Edo State Government has not officially responded to Afegbua’s claim.

The situation remains tense, as citizens and cultural groups call for restraint and respect for the centuries-old Benin monarchy, seen as the custodian of Edo identity and pride.