As the legal suit between the suspended Enigie (dukes) of Benin Kingdom and the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, continues at the Edo State High Court sitting in Benin City, the Enigie said they are in court to protect their fundamental human rights.
Recall that some Enigie who were suspended by the Benin Traditional Council (NTC) had filed a suit against Oba Ewuare II at an Edo State High Cour on behalf of others.
They are, Professor Gregory Akenzua, the Enogie of Evbuobanosa and Chief Edomwonyi Ogiegbaen, the Enogie of Egbaen Siluko, both in Benin Kingdom.
Speaking at a press briefing in Benin City, Professor Akenzua said that the suit was meant to address the injustice they were meant to contend with.
He debunked the insinuations that they were averse to peaceful settlement of the matter which led to the suit.
He said that they employed all known channels, including customary ways, to settle the issues with the palace but were denied access.
According to him: “There is no other traditional process that we know that we have not gone through.
“We are in court to establish protection of our fundamental human rights. I want to also clarify the erroneous impression that has been created in the media that we are being used by some other people to challenge the palace.
“The case that we instituted for our own protection is against His Royal Majesty and also the government because the government is also expected to protect our fundamental human rights.
“We welcome the initiative of those who propose an amicable settlement of the dispute. We affirm that we stand for peace founded on decorum, integrity and justice. We are upholders of the tradition of our ancestors, and all we wish to do is continue to serve our people in humility.”
He, however, regretted that comments by some palace chiefs, members of the royal family and the lawyers to the Oba do not augur well for the prospect of peace, but also, contravene the legacy of Oba Adolo of blessed memory, who was an advocate of reconciliation.
“On this, we do not think it is honourable or dignifying for those who claim to be supporters of the Oba to disrupt the sitting of the court each time the case comes up.
“Some members of the royal family and the lawyers to the Oba who recently issued statements condemning the planned peace moves by Governor Godwin Obaseki were wrong in their positions,” he added.
He listed the non-payment of their monthly entitlements, the non-installation of Enigie even after undergoing all traditional requirements and several other issues as reasons for their calling for the establishment of traditional councils in the seven local government areas in Edo South senatorial district.
The 51 Enigie, who chronicled events that led to the crisis between them and the palace, denied allegations that they were being sponsored by the government and its agents.
