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In a statement signed by its Coordinator General, Evangelist Prince Jessy Osemwegie Isibor, the UKGBE said the proposed arrangement with the Sultan of Sokoto and the Ooni of Ife as co-chairmen, ignores the historical primacy of the Benin Monarchy, which it described as one of the oldest and most organised systems of governance in Nigeria.

“The ongoing debate in the Senate is alien to the indigenous peoples of Nigeria and constitutes an affront to the collective psyche of Nigerians, particularly Benin kingdom and other descendants of the Great Benin Empire across the country,” the statement read. “Any plan to distort our historical foundation will be resisted through legal and other legitimate means.”

The UKGBE stressed that the Benin Monarchy’s authority is recognised under Nigerian law and backed by centuries of rich heritage. It recalled that the Benin Empire, whose rule dates back to the Ogiso dynasty around 40 BC, extended its influence to parts of the South-West, South-East, and South-South regions in Nigeria, where the Royal sceptre symbols are in use (ada & eben), with diplomatic ties to Portugal established during the reign of Oba Esigie - (1504-1550).

According to the group, historical records also show that the Benin Empire was among the first nations to recognise Brazil’s independence in 1822 — decades before the British invasion of 1897.

Warning the Senate to tread cautiously, the UKGBE said the proposed bill could trigger moves by the Great Benin people to reclaim their pre-1897 sovereignty. “We seek fairness, equity, and justice,” the statement added.

The group called on lawmakers to abandon any move that would “rewrite historical narratives” or undermine the dignity of ancient monarchies in the country.

©ERO/UKGBE 2025.