A High in Edo State has revealed how confessed witches and wizards are treated in Benin Kingdom.

The Esogban of Benin Kingdom, Chief David Edebiri, explained that the witches and wizards are not killed or stigmatized but are rehabilitated back into the society.

The Esogban, who is regarded as the Odionwere (Head) of witches and wizards, said the powers to dispossess witches of their powers are derived from the Oba of Benin.

Chief Edebiri stated that witches are made ineffective and accepted back to society after going through certain processes.

The High chief said this when he addressed members of African Bar Association on certain aspects of Bénin culture.

Chief Edebiri explained that he does not have the powers to cure ailments but the powers given to him by the Oba to deal with witches and wizards.

He said,

“Witches and wizards are my subjects. We deal with them in a decent way. There is no magical process in it.

“Once anybody confessed to be a witch, we send them to a home and a Chief is given the powers to disposes them. We take them through certain processes and they will become ineffective.

“They will go back to the society better persons.”

Chief Edebiri who urged members of ABA to help codify African Laws for future generation said it would be good if they lead the campaign to end despot rule in Africa.

His words,

“There are still countries in Africa where despots are in control of government. It should be your oversight function to see the end of despot reign in Africa.

“Be the watchdog of democracy. Take the struggle to see that despots are no longer in power. I urge you to see that lawyers abide by the ethics of their profession.”

President of ABA, Hannibal Uwaifo, said the body would do its best to ensure best practices in the continent.