Reactions as suspended chiefs files petition against Oba of benin

At the resumed hearing of the complaint filed by suspended Enogies (Duke) in Benin against Oba Ewuare II, over a hundred priests, priestesses, and palace chiefs surged the Edo State High Court on Thursday, yelling curses against the Oba’s enemy forces.

Prof Gregory Akenzua and Chief Edomwonyi Ogiegbaen, two suspended Enogies (Dukes) of the Evbuobanosa and Egbaen Siluko Dukedoms of the Benin Kingdom, sued the monarch at the Edo State High Court, challenging their suspension from office on behalf of several others.

The two also claimed, speaking for others, that the monarch, who had suspended them for defying him, could not remove them from their positions; rather, it was the State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, who could.

In a lawsuit brought by suspended Enogies in Benin against the Oba, the High Court admitted the Benin Traditional Council as a party.

In a decision on Thursday, Justice Peter Akhihiero approved the first defendant’s request to add the Benin Traditional Council to the list of defendants in the lawsuit with the case number B/250os/2023. The first and second defendants in the complaint are, respectively, Oba Ewuare II and Edo State Government.

In response to an application made by Prof. Yemi Akinseye-George, SAN, Prof. Edoba Omoregie and his team on behalf of the second defendant, Prof. Gregory Akenzua, and Edomwonyi Ogiegbaen, who both sued the Oba of Benin over their suspension by Oba Ewuare II in 2023 as Enogies of Evbuobanosa and Egbaen Siluko Dukedoms in Edo South Senatorial District, the ruling was made in response to their case.

The parties involved in the lawsuit, Edo State Government (represented by Oluwole Iyamu, SAN, State Attorney General and State Commissioner for Justice), Oba Ewuare II, Prof. Gregory Akenzua, and Edomwonyi Ogiegbaen (represented by their respective attorneys, led by Dr. Osagie Obayuwana, who had objected to the motion through Oba Ewuare II’s counsel), were instructed by Justice Peter Akhihiero to amend all pertinent court documents to reflect the ruling.

The claimants, Prof. Gregory Akenzua and Edomwonyi Ogiegbaen, through their counsel, Dr. Obayuwana, prayed the court not to list the council as a party in the suit and urged the court to award a fine against Oba of Benin in favor of the claimants, while other parties in the suit supported Oba Ewuare II’s counsel’s position to join the Benin Traditional Council.

However, Justice Peter Akhihiero dismissed the requests, stating that Obayuwana need not be concerned about the timing and that “the battle is not for the strong, nor the race for the swift.”

“If they are bringing in the Traditional Council as necessary, I don’t see this as a problem since you people have brought the Oba to court.

“I don’t think I can shut down any party. Let them come in and file their processes.”

In the event that there is no objection, Justice Akhihiero postponed the case’s hearing to July 15, 2024.

Around the State High Court Complex on Sapele Road in Benin City, there was a strong security presence.

Nonetheless, because of their sheer number, none of the people who attended the court in support of the Oba were permitted entry.

Adoration and support for the Oba was shown by groups of Edo sons and daughters, including chiefs and members of the royal family.

Alex Obichie
Alex Obichie
Alex Obichie is an Ardent Sustainability Enthusiast, advocate for the Waste-2-Wealth Initiative, and Ingenious Politician, he uses articles to promote and sensitize the public about matters surrounding the environment, political systems and ways to benefit & support sustsinable global development.

Popular Related

Lagos govt welcomes collaboration to bridge housing deficits

The Lagos State Government has open it collaboration to bridge the housing deficits in the state. It was said that it was working with the...

Kano gov swears in seven new commissioners, six perm secs

The Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, on Monday, swore in seven new commissioners and six permanent secretaries as part of his administration’s renewed efforts...

ABUTH resident doctors begin five-day warning strike

The National Association of Resident Doctors, Ahmadu Bello University Teachin Hospital (ABUTH) branch has commenced a five-day warning strike over owed salaries. Dr. Ashiru Mikail,...

Residents of Anambra State frowned at prolonged public holidays

Anambra residents has expressed dissatisfaction at the additional day authorized by the federal government for the Muslim celebration, stating that this will bring negative...

Abiodun hails Ogun cleric elevation as archbishop

Dapo Abiodun, Ogun State Governor has congratulated Bishop Taiwo Akinola, on his investiture into the office of charismatic Archbishop. He described the spiritual attainment as...

Police nab seven suspected cultists, recovered firearms in Kaduna

The Kaduna State Police Command said it's operatives have apprehended seven suspected cultists with some recovered weapons in the state. This arrest was confirmed in...

Federal Government launches citizens’ feedback platform

In order to establish a "strong a feedback mechanism between citizens and government" on the eight priority areas of the Bola Tinubu administration, the...

Reps And UN Partner To Enhance Female Representation In Governance

In a notable move towards achieving gender equality and promoting inclusive governance, the House of Representatives has collaborated with the United Nations to enhance...

Tinubu insists on business visit to Qatar amidst decline

President Bola Tinubu's trip to Qatar for an investment and business roundtable has been reportedly declined. This was mentioned in a letter dated February 22,...

Appeal Court to handle and conclude all cases – AGF

The majority of cases in the nation would ultimately be decided in the Court of Appeal, according to law that the Federal Government unveiled...