- ”We Have No Court Matter Against Oba of Benin”, Says Edo Govt
By Abiola Olawale
The Edo State Government has expressed its readiness to intervene in the ongoing dispute between the suspended dukes; Gregory Akenzua and Edomwonyi Iduozee Ogiegbaen, and His Majesty, Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II.
The dispute started when the Oba of Benin suspended the two Enigie, who had in turn dragged the revered monarch to court, challenging their suspension. The suspended Enigie claimed that it was only the state governor and not the monarch that could remove them from their positions.
The monarch had suspended the two enigie over alleged failure to perform their duties and allegedly leading an organized revolt against the Benin throne.
With the crisis escalating to legal action, the Edo State Government, in a statement issued by the commissioner for communication and orientation Mr. Chris Nehikhare, has expressed sadness that matters between brothers could end in the courtroom.
The government while calling for calm from the two parties, also urged them to embrace a process of dialogue towards the amicable resolution of the issues in the interest of the sanctity of our most respected traditional institution.
In the statement, the government also denied claims that it instigated a lawsuit against the Oba of Benin. The government clarified that it was instead joined in the lawsuit as a defendant.
The statement reads in part: “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.
“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.
“The government is also open to working with all parties for a peaceful resolution of the dispute.”
In a similar development, a statement issued by the Special Adviser (media projects) to the Edo state Governor, Crusoe Osagie, urged residents of the state and the general public to disregard the reports that Governor Godwin Obaseki filed a lawsuit against the Oba of Benin.
On Thursday, reports emerged in some sections of the media space (not the New Diplomat) that there is a current court case initiated by the government against the revered traditional ruler. The reports had said that Obaseki had allegedly connived with the two suspended dukes Gregory Akenzua and Edomwonyi Iduozee Ogiegbaen to drag Oba of Benin to court.
Osagie described the emergence of the reports as the handiwork of the enemies of the government. He added that the Governor has a cordial relationship with Oba of Benin and would do no such thing.
The statement reads in part: “The Edo State Government has no case in court against our revered Royal Father, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, the Oba of Benin.
“The rumor making the rounds on social media of an impending court case is the handiwork of enemies of the State and should be disregarded.
“As a matter of fact, in the matter being referenced by the purveyors of the fake news, the Edo State Government is a defendant, which means the State government is being sued.
“The State Government maintains a cordial relationship with the Royal Palace and holds the Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, Ogidigan, in high esteem.”
According to the governor’s spokesman, the rumor is fabricated, fake, and should be discountenanced in its entirety.
