The Oba of Benin, HRM, Ewuare II has approved the removal of Mr. Harrison Okao as the Ohenosa (Priest) of Holy Aruosa Cathedral, also known as the Benin national church.
Okao’s removal was in response to the recommendation ofof the Joint Elders Committee and Senior Chiefs of the Oba’s palace.
The recommendation according to a statement by the Benin Traditional Council (BTC) is “predicated upon long-standing lingering breach.”
“And non-chalance over several years by Mr. Harrison Okao pertaining to the age-old custom and unauthorized officiating as Ohenosa of the Holy Aruosa Cathedral of Benin.”
In the statement signed by Mr. Frank Irabor, secretary of BTC, the priest removal “is expected to bring lasting peace, sanity and trangulity to the spiritual environment.”
The worship centre was reportedly founded in 1517 by then Oba Esigie and Portuguese missionaries.