Benin monarch, His Royal Majesty Omo N’Oba Ewuare Ogidigan has approved the sack of presiding priest of Holy Aruosa Cathedral, Ohen-Osa Harrison Okao for alleged non-compliance with the ancient long tradition of the land.
Holy Aruosa is the religion of the Binis, a tribe in Edo State. Headed by the Oba of Benin who is seen as God’s representative on Earth, the cathedral was built on the spot where a huge black stone appeared from a ball of fire that dropped supposedly as God’s answer to their requests.
During the British evasion of Benin, the church was destroyed. It was rebuilt in 1945 by Oba Akenzua II and since then, the Benin monarch occasionally attends worship here especially after Igue festival for thanksgiving.
The Oba of Benin is the spiritual head of the Church and his deputy is the Benin Crown Prince.
The decision to fire the Priest was jointly taken by the traditional head of the church, HRM Oba Ewuare II, joint elders committee and top palace chiefs after Okao was found guilty of violating the long-standing rules of the church.
A statement by Benin Traditional Council (BTC) Secretary, Mr Frank Irabor, said the removal of the former top priest of the church would restore sanity and lasting peace to the foremost Benin national church.
Okao was also ordered to handover the church property in his possession as the Ohenosa to the head of Iweguae association, Chief Esere while warning him to also stop any financial transaction within the cathedral.
