THE Christian Association of Nigeria, Edo State chapter, has hailed the checking of the botched plan to install a Sultan in Benin, saying it is a grand design to Islamize the state.

A statement by Bishop Oriname Oyonnude Kure, Chairman, Edo CAN, read, “The attention of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Edo State, has been drawn to the purported plan by a certain Arab tribe from Borno State in the North Eastern part of Nigeria, known as Shuwa Arab to install a Sultan in the great Benin Kingdom of Edo State. What a provocative assault on the Traditional institution in Edo State?

“This is part of the subterranean grand design to Islamize our state in particular and Nigeria in general.

“This sacrilegious act must not be allowed to fester in our state under any guise as it could cause very serious unrest as it challenges our traditional institutions and values of our people. It amounts to duplicity of traditional leadership in Benin Kingdom and it will surely work against the peaceful coexistence of the people.

“This act is totally against the peace of our land and, therefore, unacceptable as it is capable of igniting fracas in Edo State. The Christian Association of Nigeria, Edo State condemns it totally in its entirety. It should be shelved and never again should it be contemplated.

“The Benin Kingdom has only one King with the title of Oba that dates back to the OGISO ERA well over 1000 years ago. This so called Shuwa Arab have no cultural, traditional and consanguinal affinity with Edo people and, therefore, has no part in traditional institutions of Edo State and her people. Edo people’s friendly disposition in accommodating strangers should not be taken for granted and abused,” he added.