The Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba Ewuare Ogidigan, has approved the suspension of the presiding priest of Holy Aruosa Cathedral, Ohen-Osa Harrison Okao, for alleged non-compliance with the ancient long tradition of Benin City.
The Nation reports that the decision was jointly taken by the traditional head of the church, HRM Oba Ewuare the second, joint elders committee and top palace chiefs after Okao was found guilty of violating the long-standing rules of the church.
A statement signed by Frank Irabor, Secretary, Benin Traditional Council, and made available to journalists in Benin, Thursday, stated that the suspension was predicated upon “long-standing lingering breach and by Okao over several years and age-long custom and traditional.
Irabor added that the suspension would further bring peace and sanity regarding worship at the Holy Arousa Cathedral.
“This decision is expected to bring lasting peace, sanity and tranquility to the holy spiritual environment that is imperative in the Holy Aruosa Cathedral of Benin which has hitherto been absent because of the non-compliance with tradition and custom by Harrison Okao over several years,” the statement added.
The statement further urged Mr Okao to henceforth stop parading himself as Ohenosa and should handover the property of the cathedral including the key to the cathedral to Mr Esere and should stop operating the Cathedral Bank account too.
The Oba of Benin is the head of Holy Aruosa Cathedral.