Before we accuse outsiders of mocking or diminishing the Benin people, we must first look inwards. No great kingdom or civilization collapses because of external forces alone. History shows that division, jealousy, selfishness and the inability to stand together often create conditions for outsiders to exploit internal weaknesses.

The Benin Kingdom, one of Africa’s greatest civilizations, deserves far better than the image its own sons and daughters sometimes project of it. Respect begins with self respect, and unity begins from home.

The Benin people are renowned for their intelligence, industry and rich cultural heritage. Our bronze works, sophisticated system of governance, military organisation and enduring traditions have earned us global admiration. Yet, despite this glorious inheritance, we too often become our own greatest critics. Political disagreements become personal battles, business competition breeds hostility, and family misunderstandings grow into community conflicts. Instead of celebrating one another’s achievements, we frequently promote envy, character assassination and needless rivalry, diminishing the dignity of Benin before the world.

One of our greatest weaknesses is the inability to speak with one voice on matters affecting our collective interest. Personal ambition, ego and factional loyalties too often prevail over the common good. Social media has worsened this problem by turning private disagreements into public spectacle where fellow Benins insult one another without restraint.

Constructive criticism is essential for progress, but destructive attacks driven by bitterness, only weaken our influence and discourage future generations from serving our people.

The strength of the Benin people has always rested on sound upbringing. In our tradition, a person’s conduct reflected not only on the individual but also on the entire family. Discipline, honesty, humility, respect, compassion and hard work were virtues that distinguished every well brought up Benin child. Sadly, many of these cherished values are fading today. Every family must therefore recommit itself to raising children who will preserve the honour and dignity of the kingdom rather than diminish them.

We must also reject the growing culture of abusive language. Expressions that invoke curses or encourage insults have no place in Benin refined traditions. Our forefathers settled disputes through dialogue, respected elders, community leaders and established traditional institutions before any other step was considered. Likewise, our home movies, comedy, music and social media should project the beauty of our culture, celebrate excellence and inspire mutual respect instead of glorifying insults, violence and division.

The heroes and heroines who defended the Benin Kingdom would be proud to see us living in peace rather than constantly fighting among ourselves. We honour their sacrifices not merely by remembering their names but by practising the virtues they lived for – unity, courage, loyalty, integrity, sacrifice and selfless service. At the same time, we must care for those who are still with us by supporting widows, educating brilliant but disadvantaged children, empowering unemployed youths and caring for the elderly. A society that honours only its dead while neglecting its living has misunderstood the true meaning of heritage.

The responsibility for rebuilding Benin belongs to everyone. Traditional institutions must continue to promote reconciliation and our cultural values. Political, religious and community leaders should place collective interest above personal ambition, while professionals and intellectuals should mentor younger generations. Economic cooperation is equally important. Benin entrepreneurs should support one another. Successful citizens should invest in scholarships and mentorship, and every young Benin man or woman should become an ambassador of the kingdom’s dignity wherever they live.

Above all, we must continue to accord the highest respect, honour and loyalty to the Palace, the sacred institution that remains the custodian of our identity, unity and cultural heritage. The Palace is greater than any individual, political party or temporary disagreement. Our loyalty to it should never be determined by politics but by our shared responsibility to preserve one of Africa’s oldest and most respected kingdoms for future generations.

The time has come for sincere reflection and collective action. We cannot continue blaming non Benins for attitudes that our own conduct sometimes encourages. Unity commands admiration, while division invites ridicule. The Benin Kingdom has survived wars, colonialism and many political changes because of the resilience, wisdom and courage of its people. It can overcome today’s challenges only if we deliberately choose forgiveness over bitterness, service over selfishness and collective progress over personal rivalry.

The greatest tribute we can pay our ancestors is not merely celebrating our glorious past, but by building a united future worthy of their sacrifices. When Benin people honour, encourage, support and defend one another, the mockery will cease because our dignity and unity will once again command respect.

My dear brothers and sisters of Benin extraction, the rebirth of Benin will not begin from outside our land. It will begin from within us. It will begin with every Benin son and daughter making personal commitment to unity, respect, forgiveness and love for one another. It will begin with concerted efforts to understand those things that drive us apart, and eliminate them. We would have redeemed our heritage and our dear Benin, when we place Benin above self, when we respect and honour one another and continue to rever our monarchy.

Oba Gha Tor Kpere.

Senator Ehigie Uzamere