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Bloomshire Nigeria, Abuja (2026)

12/06/2026

Why Crusoe Osagie’s Remarks on the Oba of Benin Must Be Condemned

The recent comments allegedly made by Mr. Crusoe Osagie, former media aide to ex-Governor Godwin Obaseki, regarding the role of the Oba of Benin deserves nothing short of outright condemnation. The position taken by Benin Leaders of Thought is correct, necessary, and long overdue.

1. Historical ignorance cannot be excused from a public figure*

To suggest that the Oba of Benin bears no responsibility to the people is to erase over 1000 years of history. The Benin monarchy is not a ceremonial relic. From pre-colonial times to today, the Oba has been the custodian of customs, traditions, and the moral compass of the Benin Kingdom. For an appointee of a former governor to speak so carelessly shows a dangerous gap in understanding how traditional institutions anchor our society.

1. The Oba’s role goes beyond politics*

While elected officials come and go with election cycles, the throne of the Oba remains constant. The monarch’s responsibilities include conflict resolution, cultural preservation, community development, and maintaining social cohesion. These are duties no governor’s aide can legislate away with loose commentary on an online platform. Reducing the Oba’s office to “no responsibility” ignores the daily work the Palace does in settling disputes and protecting Benin heritage.

1. The timing and context make it worse*

Linking such remarks to discussions on MOWAA and the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo only exposes the intent: using the sacred throne as a political talking point. Benin Leaders of Thought are right to call this out. Criticism of government policy must never become a vehicle for disrespecting institutions that predate the Nigerian constitution itself.

1. “Unfortunate, provocative, ill-informed” is an understatement*

For millions of Benin people at home and in the diaspora, the throne is sacred. Comments that dismiss its relevance are not just political missteps. They strike at cultural identity. Crusoe Osagie overreached by pontificating on Palace matters he clearly does not understand. Public figures, especially those who served in government, should know better than to speak ignorantly on matters of tradition.

1. Respect for institutions protects our future*

Attacking the relevance of the Oba today sets a precedent for attacking every traditional institution tomorrow. If we allow appointees and aides to diminish the throne without consequence, we weaken the very structures that keep peace in our communities when politics fails.

Benin Leaders of Thought have spoken for the conscience of the Kingdom. Crusoe Osagie’s remarks were sacrilegious, misleading, and offensive to the sensibilities of the Benin people. The throne of the Oba of Benin is not subject to the opinions of political aides. It is a symbol of unity, identity, and continuity that commands respect.

The Benin people expect a retraction and a proper apology to the Palace and to all who hold the monarchy in reverence.

Crusoe Osagie seems to be a Psychiatric patient. Let someone sane check on him.

Signed:
Mr. Osazee Amas Edobor
Coordinator General
Coalition of Benin socio cultural organizations

Mr. Influence Enobun
Secretary Coalition of Benin Socio cultural organizations

12/06/2026

Happy Democracy Day Nigerians

12/06/2026

Benin Leaders of Thought fault Crusoe Osagie's comments on Oba's role
…Describe remarks as “unfortunate, provocative, ill-informed”

Vanguard Newspaper page 46 - FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 2026

A social cultural group, Benin Leaders of Thought, has faulted comments allegedly made by former Governor Godwin Obaseki's media aide, Mr. Crusoe Osagie, on the role and responsibilities of the Oba of Benin, describing the remarks as disrespectful to the revered Benin monarchy.

The group was reacting to comments reportedly made by Osagie during a discussion on CTNaija, an online platform, while addressing issues surrounding the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) and the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo.

In a statement signed by its Secretary, Chief Roland Osauwagie, the group said Osagie's alleged suggestion that the Oba of Benin bears no responsibility to the people was contrary to history, tradition and the established role of the Benin monarchy.

It maintained that Crusoe Osagie’s comments reflected a poor understanding of the place of traditional institutions in society, particularly the role of the Oba of Benin as custodian of the customs, traditions and cultural heritage of the Benin Kingdom.

"The Oba of Benin occupies a revered position in the history and cultural identity of the Benin people. To suggest that the monarch has no responsibility to the people is to ignore centuries of history and the enduring relevance of traditional institutions in promoting peace, unity and social cohesion," the statement said.

According to the group, traditional rulers, although operating within the framework of constitutional democracy, continue to play significant roles in conflict resolution, cultural preservation, community development and the promotion of harmony among their people.

The group described Osagie's comments as "unfortunate, provocative and ill-informed," adding that public figures should demonstrate a better appreciation of the historical significance of the throne of the Oba of Benin.

The statement noted that Osagie had overreached himself by attempting to pontificate on matters concerning the Palace of the Oba of Benin and the responsibilities traditionally associated with the throne.

It said the remarks exposed what it described as a display of ignorance regarding the role of traditional institutions and the enduring place of the Benin monarchy in the affairs of the people.

"Crusoe Osagie has overreached himself. His comments betray a poor appreciation of the history, responsibilities and significance of the Benin monarchy. To suggest that the Oba of Benin has no responsibility to the people is both misleading and offensive to the sensibilities of many Benin people who regard the throne as a sacred institution," the group stated.

The group added that it regard Crusoe Osagie’s remarks as sacrilegious because of the reverence tradition accords the throne of the Oba of Benin and the central role it occupies in the cultural identity of the Benin Kingdom.

The group further argued that criticism of government policies or public projects should not be used as a basis for diminishing the stature of traditional institutions or questioning their relevance to the people they serve.

It also took exception to Osagie's comments on MOWAA, insisting that discussions surrounding the project should be based on facts and public policy considerations rather than remarks capable of generating unnecessary controversy around the Benin throne.

Reiterating the enduring relevance of the monarchy, the group said the Oba of Benin remains a symbol of unity, identity and continuity for the Benin people and deserves the respect traditionally accorded to the throne.

11/06/2026

Okpebolo constructing 4 roads in
Benin community at the same time - resident hails governor

Led by Hon. Mohammed Bawa Okoyomoh, the Edo State Government continues on-ground inspections and implementation of critical drainage and road projects across Benin City.

From completed interventions to ongoing works at Boundary Road and Ogbemudia Cut-Off Road, these projects are already delivering tangible relief to residents-improving mobility, reducing flood risks, and protecting homes and livelihoods.

This coordinated approach reflects the commitment of Senator Monday
Okpebholo to sustainable development, environmental management, and resilient infrastructure across Edo State.

11/06/2026

NGO petitions the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, Companies House, British High Commission, Nigerian Authorities over allegations concerning CTNAIJA ENTERTAINMENT LTD (Company Number 14656101).

11/06/2026

Edo state chapter of the APC was an opposition party when Godwin Obaseki was governor. The APC, under the leadership of Emperor Jarret Tenebe, fielded candidates against those of the Obaseki-led ruling PDP. At least, the APC has shown that it is a party with structures on the ground. APC showed its political muscles against Obaseki’s PDP.

Today, the APC is the ruling party. No venture, no success.

I therefore urge the PDP, ADC, NDC, Labour Party, and Omoyele Sowore's one-man party to enter the ring for the council elections. The game is the game. It’s “bottom up” and not “top bottom”.

Please, no room for blackmail after the general elections when President Bola Tinubu wins with landslide and when Governor Monday Okpebholo delivers Edo state to the APC.

10/06/2026

Bankole-Balogun backs school closure, urges vigilance in Akoko-Edo

The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Akoko-Edo Federal Constituency, Otunba Oladele Bankole-Balogun, has urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies following the temporary closure of some schools in parts of the constituency over security concerns.

Bankole-Balogun, in a statement to the people of Akoko-Edo, said he had taken note of the directive issued by the Edo State Ministry of Education ordering the temporary closure of affected schools based on security advisories from relevant agencies.

He described the measure as a necessary precaution aimed at safeguarding the lives of pupils, students, teachers and residents, stressing that the safety and security of the people must remain paramount.

While acknowledging the inconvenience the development may cause parents and students, the APC chieftain urged residents to support all legitimate efforts geared towards protecting lives and property.

He declared that Akoko-Edo would not be allowed to become a safe haven for terrorists, kidnappers, bandits or other criminal elements.
According to him, the constituency has remained peaceful, resilient and law-abiding, adding that residents must work collectively to preserve the prevailing peace and security.

Bankole-Balogun called on residents across the local government area, including those outside the affected communities, to remain security conscious and embrace the culture of community vigilance.

He urged citizens to promptly report suspicious movements, strange gatherings, abandoned objects and unfamiliar persons to the appropriate security agencies.

The House of Representatives hopeful stressed the need for residents to be their brothers' keepers by providing timely and credible information capable of assisting security agencies in preventing criminal activities.

He commended officers and men of the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Police Force, the Armed Forces, local vigilante groups and other security agencies for their efforts in maintaining peace and protecting communities across the constituency.

Bankole-Balogun also lauded Governor Monday Okpebholo for what he described as the administration's commitment to the security and welfare of Edo people, noting that the government had continued to take proactive steps to address emerging security threats.

He called for unity, vigilance and cooperation among residents, community leaders and security agencies, insisting that collective action remains the most effective response to security challenges.

"Let us support our security agencies with timely and credible information. Together, we shall preserve the peace, security and prosperity of Akoko-Edo," he said.

The APC candidate expressed optimism that with sustained collaboration among government, security agencies and the people, the constituency would continue to enjoy peace and stability.

He prayed for God's protection over the people of Akoko-Edo, Edo State and Nigeria.

10/06/2026

Mayaki demands retraction, apology from Obaseki's aide over alleged criminal remarks against Edo APC leaders

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, Mr. John Mayaki, has called on former Governor Godwin Obaseki's media aide, Mr. Crusoe Osagie, to retract and tender an unreserved apology over remarks he allegedly made during a live interview on CTNaija, an online platform.

Mayaki said Osagie, during the programme, allegedly referred to some leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as criminals and mentioned specific names, a development he described as disturbing and capable of undermining responsible public discourse.

In a statement made available to journalists, Mayaki said the demand for a retraction and apology became necessary to discourage the increasing trend of cyberbullying, online harassment, libel, defamation of character and other related offences on digital platforms.

He noted that while freedom of expression remains a constitutionally guaranteed right, it does not confer a licence on individuals to make damaging allegations against others without credible evidence.

According to him, Nigerians, especially political actors and social media commentators, must exercise caution and responsibility in their use of digital platforms when discussing public affairs, political issues and the character of fellow citizens.

His words, "Freedom of speech comes with responsibility. Individuals who make allegations, particularly allegations of criminal conduct against identifiable persons, should be prepared to substantiate such claims with verifiable evidence," he said.

Mayaki warned that the growing practice of using social media and online platforms to attack, intimidate, harass or malign perceived opponents could expose offenders to legal consequences.

He observed that many users erroneously assume that statements made online are beyond the reach of the law, stressing that Nigerian laws provide remedies for victims of defamatory publications and other forms of online misconduct.

Mayaki said false statements which are capable of injuring the reputation of another person may give rise to civil actions for libel and defamation, while certain online conduct may also attract liability under relevant laws dealing with cybercrime, harassment and related offences.

Mayaki further stated that accusations of criminality are serious matters that should not be made recklessly or without proof.

He urged social media users to verify information before publication and avoid spreading unsubstantiated claims capable of damaging the reputation of others.

He also cautioned members of the public against blaming law enforcement agencies or the judiciary when legal action is taken against individuals found to have violated applicable laws through their online activities.

According to Mayaki, "Those who engage in cyberbullying, harassment, defamation or other unlawful acts online should be prepared to answer for their conduct through the due process of law. No one should run foul of the law and later accuse law enforcement agencies or the judiciary of persecution when called upon to account for their actions," he said.

He maintained that social media remains a powerful tool for civic engagement and democratic participation but insisted that its use must be guided by responsibility, respect for the rights and reputation of others and strict adherence to the rule of law.

He added that the incident should serve as a reminder that public debate, political engagement and criticism can be conducted vigorously without resorting to personal attacks, unverified allegations or conduct capable of infringing on the rights of others.

10/06/2026

We watched a video in which loyalists of Obaseki made allegations against certain leaders of the APC and mentioned specific names. Serious allegations should be supported by credible evidence.

Freedom of expression is important, but it also comes with responsibility and legal limits. Anyone making accusations should be prepared to substantiate them.

If you call someone a criminal, you should be getting ready to prove it, anywhere you hide, the law will find you.

10/06/2026

The most important election to show a serious party that’s on ground in terms of structure and popularity is council elections. Enter the ring and show your muscles. Don’t blackmail APC when you’re defeated and bruised in the general elections.

Bloomshire Nigeria

12/06/2026

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