Some Benin palace chiefs, members of the royal family, priests, priestesses, sons/daughters of the ancient town, friends, and well-wishers of the Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, yesterday stormed the Edo State High Court in Benin City in solidarity with the revered monarch.
Their action followed a legal action against the monarch by two suspended dukes Gregory Akenzua and Edomwonyi Iduozee Ogiegbaen.
The matter which came up for mention in March was adjourned till May 9. The court which envisaged the large turnout had attempted to keep the Oba’s supporters outside the courtroom area but eventually allowed them into the premises.
However, the courtroom where the matter was assigned remained shut to the crowd and newsmen as access was subsequently granted to only a few of the chiefs.
The suspended Enigie had dragged the Oba of Benin to court, challenging their suspension from office. They claimed that it was only the state governor and not the monarch that could remove them from their positions.
They claimed that their appointment was recognised by the Edo State government and captured under Section 25(2) of the Traditional Rulers and Chieftaincy Law.
According to them, Section 28 of the Traditional Rulers and Chieftaincy Law empowers the state executive council to sanction them if found wanting, claiming that the Oba of Benin has no right to usurp the power vested on the state executive council.
Meanwhile, the Edo State Government yesterday said it has no court matter against the monarch. Social media reports had gone viral that there was a court case
initiated by the government against the monarch, a situation the state government described as the handiwork of enemies of the state.
A statement by the Special Adviser (Media Projects) to Governor Godwin Obaseki, Crusoe Osagie, urged residents of the state and the public to disregard the reports.
“The Edo State Government has no case in court against our revered Royal Father, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, the Oba of Benin,” the statement read.
“The rumour making the rounds on social media of an impending court case is the handiwork of enemies of the State and should be disregarded.
“As a matter of fact, in the matter being referenced by the purveyors of the fake news, the Edo State Government is a defendant, which means the State government is being sued.
“The state government maintains a cordial relationship with the Royal Palace and holds the Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, Ogidigan, in high esteem.”
According to the governor’s spokesman, the rumour is fabricated, fake, and should be discountenanced in its entirety.
He reiterated the state government’s commitment to sustaining a harmonious relationship with all stakeholders in the state.
