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.
The matter which reportedly came up for mention in March was adjourned till 9th May. The court which envisaged the large turnout had attempted to keep the Oba’s supporters outside the courtroom area but eventually allowed them into the premises.
However, the courtroom where the matter was assigned remained shut to the crowd and journalists as access was subsequently granted to only a few of the chiefs.
The suspended Enigies had dragged the Oba of Benin to court, challenging their suspension from office. They claimed that it is only the state governor and not the monarch that could remove them from their positions.
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.
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