FROM IKHILI EBALU, BENIN CITY
Members of the Association of Enigie in Edo South Senatorial District said yesterday that they have reviewed all the developments relating to the Traditional Rulership Institution in Benin Kingdom, particularly the alleged suspension of some Enigie and cases pending in the high court, in which the monarch, Oba Ewuare II alongside others are defendants.
Addressing a press briefing in Benin, the Enogie of Evbuobanosa, Professor Gregory Akenzua, who spoke on behalf of the association, said it welcomed the initiative of those who proposed an amicable settlement of the dispute and regrets the comments by some palace chiefs, members of the royal family and the Oba’s lawyers.
Akenzua said such do not augur well for the prospect of peace and it is against the legacy of late Oba Adolo who was a champion of conciliation.
“We found it necessary to provide a historical background to the matter and the root cause of the dispute, as well as the specific grievances that we as Enigie have had, the efforts we made to have the issue addressed formally at the level of the Benin Traditional Council, as well as through informal channels.
“We highlight the letter we were compelled to write to the governor of Edo State, the purpose for which the letter was written and how this led to the orchestrated suspension of the leaders of our association.
“We also highlight that beyond the suspension, how the palace of the Oba of Benin got our said leaders arrested and sought to have them sent to jail.
“We also note that the first case to be filed was from the palace of the Oba of Benin through proxies against the Edo State government for heeding our calls for the establishment of local traditional councils, which till date, we believe will augur well for the benefit of our people, particularly in rural areas.
“Of course, we also passed resolutions on the case filed by Professor Akenzua and His Highness, Edomwonyi Iduozee Ogiegbaen against His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II and two others which essentially is to uphold our right to fair hearing, which we believe every citizen is entitled to. We do not think it is honorable or dignifying for those who claim to be supporters of the Oba to disrupt the sitting of the court each time the case comes up,” he said.
Akenzua said members of the Association of Enigie in Edo South stand for peace founded on decorum, integrity and justice.
