Edo State Government has absorbed itself of complicity in the legal case instituted by some Enigie (Dukes) against His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, the Oba of Benin.
It noted that it was painful that the matter which “is essentially among brothers had degenerated to the point of litigation.”
The government was reacting to the fallout from the hearing on Thursday at a Benin High court in a case instituted by the Dukes, including the Enogie of Evbuobanosa, Prince Gregory Akenzua, challenging their suspension by the Benin Monarch, Oba Ewuare (Ogidigan) II over the agitation for the creation of seven traditional councils within the the Benin Kingdom by the state government.
The government had earlier explained that the plan to create seven traditional councils would help in developing the affected local government areas of the Edo South Senatorial District and not to degrade the authority of or humiliate the Oba of Benin.
The Benin Palace did not only see this as an affront, but an aberration and attempt to degrade the authority of the Monarch who solely has the authority to appoint the Dukes of various Dukedoms who must permanently be integral parts of the one and only Benin Traditional Council, headed by the Supreme Traditional Ruler, the Oba of Benin.
Benin was thrown into an outrage with the appearance of over 100 priests, priestess, some members of the Benin Royal family and loyal members of the public in solidarity with the Oba and the Great Benin Throne they vowed to defend against threats by whom they described as disloyal elements and enemies of the Great Benin King.
Right from the courthouse to the streets of Benin, these individuals marched and rained curses on those who took the Oba to court, a phenomenon they said is against the Benin traditions, with many blaming the state government of Godwin Obaseki of orchestrating the ugly plot.
In a statement, Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Hon. Chris Nehikhare, appealed to all parties in the matter, being blood relatives, to work together and withdraw the matter from the court and begin a process of dialogue towards the amicable resolution of the issues in the interest of the sanctity of the traditional institution.
The Statement reads, “The attention of the Edo State Government has been drawn to the groundswell of misinformation regarding a court case involving our revered monarch, His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, the Oba of Benin and some Enigie.
“The State Government has no hand in the matter and is also being sued by the Enigie.
“The case with suit no B/29005/2023 is between His Royal Highness Prof. Gregory Idurobo Akenzua, the Enogie of Evbo-Obanosa/Abudu and His Royal Highness Edomwonyi Iduozee Ogiegbaen, the Enogie of Egbaen-Siluko against Oba Ewuare II, the Oba of Benin and the State Government, who are defendants in the suit.”
According to Nehikhare, “It is sad and painful that the matter which is essentially among brothers had degenerated to the point of litigation.
“The government hereby appeals to all parties in the matter, being blood relatives, to work together and withdraw the matter from the court and begin a process of dialogue towards the amicable resolution of the issues in the interest of the sanctity of our most respected traditional institution.”
“Government is also open to working with all parties for a peaceful resolution of the dispute,” the Commissioner added.
