The Oba of Benin, Omo N’ Omo N’ Oba N’ Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, CFR,Oba Ewuare II, has urged the new Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Olanipekun Olukoyede, to continue to demonstrate fidelity in his duties saying the new helmsman “is on the path to greatness”
The monarch made the remark on Monday when he received the newly deployed Benin Zonal Director of EFCC, Effa Okim, in his Palace in Benin City.
The Monarch who tasked the Commission to fight crime without fear or Favour, pledged support to the state government in addressing social inequality and reduce social vices.
He noted that the newly appointed Chairman of EFCC, Olanipekun Olukoyede, would be on the path to greatness if he continues to demonstrate fidelity in his duties.
The monarch however, accused the anti – graft agency of aiding and abetting crimes.
Oba Ewuare II charged the Commission to fight crime without fear or favour.
He cited a certain criminal investigation involving former palace officials who were arrested for fraud and handed over to the EFCC in Benin for investigation and prosecution, saying the alleged culprits were set free after receiving mere slaps on the wrists.
Although, the monarch was silent on the identities of the former palace officials, he however, wondered why EFCC investigators allegedly swept glaring evidence of fraud against the former palace officials under the carpet.
The Ewuare 11 said, “We want to draw your attention to one or two grey areas in your operations.
“You know that I have been known for speaking the truth. But like it’s I was not happy about certain things that happened with your predecessor.
“We get news from everywhere. When we try to assist the EFCC. I even wrote a letter to the then Chairman that was now removed from office.
“I even sent an emissary to talk to him regarding certain elements in Edo State, particularly the Palace.
“How can EFCC boys especially that girl be behaving like this? If I was asked to comment on her performance index, I will score her zero. I do not know if she was doing EFCC job or just dancing to the tunes of people that were giving her money.
“At the time we were trying to assist EFCC, the report we keep getting was negative and I was not happy about it”, Oba Ewuare II said.
Responding, the newly deployed Benin Zonal Director of EFCC, Effa Okim, who disclosed that Edo ranks second behind Lagos State in financial crime index of Nigeria, pleaded to Oba Ewuare II to support the Commission with advocacy against financial crimes
