By Austin Ogwuda
THE two suspended Enigie (Dukes) in Edo State, Nigeria who took the Oba of Benin to court on behalf of themselves and others, Professor Gregory Akenzua, Enigie of Evbuobanosa, and Chief Edomwonyi Ogiegbaen, Egbaen Siluko Dukedom in Benin kingdom have debunked the claim that they were being sponsored by Edo State government under the watch of Godwin Obaseki.
Rather, they said that they are in court as last resort to protect their fundamental human rights.
They stated this while addressing a press conference in Benin City.
Prof. Akenzua, who spoke on behalf of the suspended Enigie said that they decided to approach the court after they had adopted all known channels, including customary methods to settle their issues with the Palace but were denied access.
His words, “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”.
Akenzua regretted that comments by some palace chiefs, members of the royal family and the Oba’s lawyers did not in any way augur well for the prospect of peace.
“That suit was instituted to uphold our right to a fair hearing which we believe every citizen is entitled to.
“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 recently issued statements condemning the planned peace moves by Governor Godwin Obaseki.
Recall that the Benin Traditional Council (BTC) took the Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki to the cleaners recently for daring to seek reconciliation between the Oba and the two feuding Enigie, describing the move as an abomination.
A strongly-worded statement to that effect was jointly signed by Chief Norense Ozigbo-Esere; Chief Edionwe Oliha, Oliha of Benin; Chief Henry Osato Bazuaye, Aiwerioghene of Benin; Chief Ada Igbinovia, Eribo of Benin; Chief Stanley Obamwonyi, Esere of Benin; Chief Osaro Idah, Obazelu of Benin; Chief Okuonghae Edomwandagbon, Ine of Benin; Chief Oviasogie Ekhoerovbiye, Uwangue of Benin; and Chief David Aibiokun Ehondor, Obahiagbon of Benin.
The Benin high chiefs faulted a recent statement by the Edo State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Edo State, Mr. Chris Nehikhare in which he claimed that the suit filed by the Enigie (dukes) is a family dispute within the Benin Royal Family.
The statement stated that “for the avoidance of doubt, the Benin traditional institution has a well-established and fully functional process of customary arbitration under the authority of the revered Oba of Benin.
“This process of customary arbitration”, the statement continued, “is well-known to all Benin traditional chiefs, including the suspended Enigie. Any traditional chief who has any genuine cause to be aggrieved is at liberty to explore this customary arbitration process.
“It is therefore an abomination for any individual to seek to interfere with this age-long and well-established process of customary arbitration.
“The Benin monarch reigns over the Benin Kingdom as the spiritual and royal father of the Benin people irrespective of family status, age and office.
“It is an affront for anyone to suggest that His Royal Majesty, The Oba of Benin is in dispute with those over whom he reigns, including members of the Royal Family.
“We admonish members of the general public to be wary of the abominable efforts to undermine the Benin traditional institution through deliberate acts and utterances which are calculated to create confusion. We appeal to members of the general public to remain law-abiding, and pray for peace to continue to reign in Benin Kingdom”, the statement added.
*Source: Daily Post Nigeria