The struggle to control the political structure in Edo State, took a twist yesterday, when some ‘Juju’ priestesses took to the streets to protest alleged moves by the All Progressives Congress, APC, to maintain its control of the State. The spiritualists were seen on Friday morning with other female members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, on a solidarity march to the Edo State House of Assembly in Benin City over the crisis in the assembly.
The protesters according to sources, walked from the Government House along Osadebey Avenue to the Anthony Enahoro Complex, along Ring Road, in support of the embattled speaker of the house Frank Okiye, who was allegedly impeached on Thursday by 17 out of the 24 lawmakers at a private residence in Benin, and Victor Edoror, elected as the new Speaker. Africa Update gathered from multiple sources, that the priestesses on arrival at the Assembly Complex, made incantations at the gate.
Speaking on behalf of the priestesses, the priestess of Ekutetebite Negwogho Group Princess lnibokun lmasemwenbor said she inherited her symbol of authority as juju priestess from her grandfather and whatever she pronounced on anyone will be so. She said Governor Godwin Obaseki has provided social amenities for them including motorable roads and that is why she is “interested in the matter”.
“Obaseki is a peace maker, he gave us amenities of life and for that reason, I have to back him up with my strength. Nobody will grab it from him and whoever says he will turn the state upside down to subvert the wishes of the people, help us tell such people that the head of our ancestors will torment them, all the deities of Benin kingdom should torment them,” she declared.
