It suspended the Onojie of Uromi for a year for failing to apologise within the stipulated period to a woman, Ms Betty Okoeber, whom he allegedly assaulted on Sept. 28, at a polling unit in Uromi.
In his letter of apologies to the state government, the embattled Onojie said the victim has followed the custom and reconciled herself to the Throne as a daughter.
He apologised for not replying the query within the stipulated time and “not obtaining permission before I travelled outside the country.”
In a letter dated Nov. 4, 2016 and signed by Secretary to the State Government, Julius Ihonvbere, the state government said the one-year suspension takes effect from Monday, November 7.
The letter reads: “The Governor of Edo State, Comrade Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole is in receipt of your letter of 28th October, 2016 on the above subject matter.
“Mr. Governor observed that your activities since you were initially suspended from office as Ojuromi of Uromi have raised issues that require further determination.
“It is important, for record purposes, to recount what has led to the present situation.
“Discounting your previous conduct, on the 28th of September 2016, you left your Palace during voting and moved from polling booth to polling booth campaigning and trying to coerce voters to vote for your preferred party and candidate.
“You went to a polling booth which was not where you registered to vote and tried to compel others to vote for your preferred candidate when one of the voters, Ms. Betty Okoebor refused to yield to your threats. You assaulted her causing grievous bodily harm.
“Following from this, the Government, viewing your conduct as utterly embarrassing, disgraceful and unbecoming of a traditional ruler, issued you with a query and directed that you reply within 72 hours.
“You ignored the query, travelled not just out of your domain but outside the country without permission.
“The flagrant arrogance of power and disregard for constituted authority compelled the State Executive Council in Session to suspend you from office as Ojuromi of Uromi for seven days in exercise of its legal powers.
“You were directed not to parade yourself as Ojuromi, carry out any activity as Ojuromi, to apologise to Ms. Okoebor and also to the Edo State Government.
“It is instructive to note that in your “Letter of Apology” of 28th October, 2016, you trivialised the gravity of your misconduct by describing what took place in public glare on the 28th of September where you were the assailant as an “altercation” and “family” affair...
“During this period of suspension under extant laws, you are hereby stripped of all the privileges and rights of the Ojuromi of Uromi and barred from performing any duties whatsoever in that regard.
“By virtue of this suspension from office, your remuneration from the 5% monthly FAC allocation to the Local Government shall be appropriated and donated to orphanages during this period.”
“By virtue of this suspension from office, your remuneration from the 5% monthly FAC allocation to the Local Government shall be appropriated and donated to orphanages during this period.”
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