Oba of Benin Appoints Chief Emmanuel Iyase as New District Head for Suspended Dukedoms

The Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty Ewuare II, has appointed Chief Emmanuel Iyase as the Okao Eguae (Palace District Head) to oversee the Ologbo and Ehor Dukedoms in Edo State, following the suspension of their traditional rulers.
This significant appointment comes in the wake of disciplinary action taken against Prince Owen Jackson Akenzua of Ologbo and Chief D.E. Igiehon of Ehor, who were among 71 Enigie (Dukes) suspended for allegedly rebelling against the authority of the Benin monarchy.
Chief Iyase’s appointment is historic as he becomes the first Okao Eguae to be dispatched from the Benin Palace to administer traditional leadership in these areas. According to palace sources, he will work in close collaboration with elders and designated functionaries under the direct authority of the Oba.
During the Ekpomwen-abor ceremony—a traditional appreciation ritual following the conferment of chieftaincy titles—held at the Ugha Ozolua axis in the Oba’s Palace in Benin City, Oba Ewuare II charged the newly appointed Chief with upholding the dignity of his office.
“I urge the newly appointed Okao to shun unethical practices that could either undermine the Oba’s authority or bring disrepute to the Dukedoms,” the monarch stated. “I also urge you to work in harmony with the Edionwere, elders in the Dukedoms, and with the support of designated top functionaries on the authority of the Benin monarch.”
In response, Chief Iyase, who attended the ceremony with family members and well-wishers, expressed gratitude to Oba Ewuare II and pledged to conduct himself with integrity for the benefit of the people and overall development of the Ologbo and Ehor Dukedoms.
The appointment represents the Benin Traditional Council’s efforts to maintain continuity in traditional governance structures while addressing what palace sources describe as acts of insubordination by the suspended Dukes.
Cultural analysts note that this move reinforces the Oba’s position as the paramount traditional authority in the ancient Benin Kingdom, with power to appoint and remove traditional title holders within his domain.