Last week, various Facebook users and pages alleged that the governor of Edo state, Godwin Obaseki had taken the Oba of Benin, Ewuare II to court. This allegation comes even as Edo state prepares for their off-cycle election. The election which has been riddled with controversies is slated to hold 21st September 2024.
Claim: Did Obaseki drag the Oba of Benin to court?
Verification
CDD War Room in trying to verify the report found that the accusation began on social media and there was a bias held by those within the state. According to our findings, the issue could be traced back as far as 2023, when a letter signed in November 2022 by Enigie (Dukes) was made public.
The traditional rulers had called for proper functioning of the Benin Traditional Council (BTC) across the seven Benin-speaking LGAs in Edo south senatorial district. In the released Letter, the Dukes had urged the government to “establish Traditional Councils for the Local Government Areas of Oredo, Egor, Ikpoba Okha, Orhionmwon, Uhunmwonde, Ovia North East, Ovia South West of Edo State.”
This move was interpreted by the Oba as a “palace coup” reason being that the BTC would reduce the influence of the traditional ruler, who never supported Obaseki’s ambition to become governor in 2016. This led to their suspension.
Legal Battle
The Oba was dragged to court in May by two suspended Enigie (Dukes), of Evbuobanosa and Egbaen Siluko Dukedoms; Prof Gregory Akenzua and Chief Edomwonyi Ogiegbaen who challenged their suspension.
The duo, representing other suspended chiefs, are disputing the Oba’s decision to suspend them for alleged insubordination contending that only the State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, had the authority to remove them from their positions.
In Suit No. B/290OS/2023 filed by their counsel, Dr. Osagie Obayuwana, the claimants who are challenging the monarch’s authority under the law to suspend them as Enogie (duke) of their respective communities, contended that their appointment as traditional chiefs enjoys recognition by the Edo Government.
Edo Gov. Denies Claim
The suit against the Oba has garnered many reactions as well as protests. On May 9, 2024, over 100 priests, priestesses and palace chiefs stormed the Edo State High Court, chanting curses against the perceived enemies of the Oba. This has prompted a response from the government.
The Edo state government denied the claims in a statement by Mr. Crusoe Osagie. the Special Adviser on Media Projects to the Governor.
While stating that they had no case against the Oba, government attributed the claims to the ‘handiwork of enemies of the State and should be disregarded’. The Edo government further inferred that they were defendants in the case adding that the were being ‘sued’.
Peace Talks
Obaseki during the week initiated a peace process into the legal issues involving the Oba of Benin, and the suspended dukes. Obaseki addressing the press after a closed door meeting with the suspended dukes at the residence of Professor Akenzua, warned politicians against using the affairs of the palace of Oba of Benin as a campaign tool ahead of the September 21st governorship election in the State.
Verdict: All We Know
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