By Austin Ogwuda
THE Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki appeared to have been boxed to a corner following his move to initiate reconciliation between the revered Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba Ewuare II and two feuding Enigie (Dukes).
These two Enigie, namely Prof. Greg Akenzua of Evbuobanos and Chief Edomwonyi Ogiegbaen of Egbaen Siluko had since been suspended from office.
The matter got to a head when the two embattled Dukes approached the Court challenging their suspension from office having sued the Benin monarch, on behalf of themselves and others.
In another dramatic turn of event, the matter further got messier today, Wednesday when the Benin Traditional Council (BTC) took the Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki to the cleaners for daring to seek reconciliation between the Oba and the suspended 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 first of all, 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 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: Concord Online News
*Photo credit to Concord Online News