From Tony Osauzo, Benin
Two suspended Enigie (Dukes) in Benin Kingdom, Professor Gregory Akenzua and Edomwonyi Ogiegbaen, have sued the Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, at the State High Court, challenging their suspension from office.
They are contending that it is only the state governor and not the Oba that could remove them from office.
In the suit marked b/250os/2023, they said their appointment as Traditional Chiefs enjoys recognition by the Edo State Government and that they were duly registered under Section 25(2) of the Traditional Rulers and Chiefs Law.
Relying on Section 28 of the same Traditional Rulers and Chiefs Law, they further contend that only the State Executive Council may sanction them if they were found wanting; that the Oba has no right to usurp the powers conferred by law on the State Executive Council.
The embattled two Enigie denied any wrongdoing by exercising their right to freedom of speech by writing a letter to the Governor of Edo State along with 94 of their fellow Enigie in 2022, in which they called on the governor to exercise a power conferred on him by law which they believe will lead to more rapid development of rural Edo State, particularly Edo South Senatorial District.
But in a statement in Benin yesterday, the member representing Ovia Federal Constituency and the deputy governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Dennis Idahosa, condemned the action and appealed to the Benin to remain calm and composed and not allow their emotions to be exploited by those he said have ulterior motives.
He pointed out that the people undermining the Oba and the Benin Kingdom have tried and failed in their previous attempts and now they have resorted using some Enigie.
“History will never be allowed to repeat itself and as such, we must do all that is necessary, including guiding our utterances to avoid the pitfalls that they the enemies have set against the Palace.
“They have used other routes without achieving success in their quest to undermine our revered monarch, now, they have set some of the Dukes against the Palace.
“Like I have always maintained and still do, they will not only fail on this court matter, they will run out of what to do to undermine the Benin kingdom”, Idahosa said and pledged to support and respect the traditional institution if the party wins the upcoming election.