In a bold move, two suspended Dukes, Professor Gregory Akenzua and Chief Edomwonyi Ogiegbaen, have taken the Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, to the state high court over their suspension from office.
They argue that only the state governor, not the monarch, has the authority to remove them from their positions.
The duo, along with others, are challenging their suspension from office, claiming that their appointments as traditional chiefs are officially recognized by the Edo State Government. They referenced Section 25(2) of the Traditional Rulers and Chieftaincy Law to support their case, highlighting their legitimate registration and status. Additionally, they pointed to Section 28 of the same law, which states that only the State Executive Council has the power to sanction them for any wrongdoing. They emphasized that the Oba does not have the authority to override the powers granted to the State Executive Council by law.
The Benin Chiefs strongly denied any wrongdoing, stating that they were simply exercising their right to freedom of speech. They mentioned a letter they wrote to the state governor in 2022, signed by 94 Enigie, asking for help to speed up development in rural areas, especially in the Edo South Senatorial District.
However, the political response was quick. Dennis Idahosa, the representative of Ovia Federal Constituency and the deputy governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), criticized the Chiefs’ actions. Idahosa advised the Bini people to stay calm and warned against individuals trying to manipulate their emotions for their own hidden agendas.
In a statement, Idahosa pointed out previous unsuccessful attempts to undermine the Oba and the Benin Kingdom. He claimed that those behind these attempts, having failed in other ways, are now using some Enigie for support. Idahosa expressed his belief in the strength of the Benin Kingdom and promised full support and respect for the traditional institution if his party wins the upcoming September 21 election.
“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.”
