Edo High Court Admits Benin Traditional Council in Suit Against Oba Amid Protests

Over 100 priests, priestesses, and palace chiefs stormed the Edo State High Court on Thursday, chanting curses against the enemies of the Oba of Benin, Omo N' Oba Ewuare II. The court was hearing a case instituted by two suspended Dukes, Prof. Greg Akenzua and Chief Edomwonyi Ogiegbaen, against the Oba.

Why this matters: The ongoing legal battle has significant implications for the balance of power between traditional institutions and state governments in Nigeria. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for similar disputes across the country, affecting the stability of local governance and community relations.

The Benin Traditional Council has been admitted as a party in the suit, which bears the number B/250os/2023.

The two suspended Dukes, who were suspended from their positions as Dukes of Evbuobanosa and Egbaen Siluko Dukedoms in Edo South Senatorial District by Oba Ewuare II in 2023, are challenging their suspension from office. They claim that only the Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, can remove them from their positions. Justice Peter Akhihiero granted the first defendant's request to include the Benin Traditional Council as the third defendant in the suit, with Oba Ewuare II and the Edo State Government as the first and second defendants, respectively.

The Edo State Government, represented by the State Attorney General and State Commissioner for Justice, Oluwole Iyamu, SAN, has stated that it has no case in court against Oba Ewuare II. Chris Nehikhare, Edo State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, emphasized that "Govt Holds Oba Of Benin In High Esteem" and that rumors of an impending court case are the handiwork of enemies of the state.

The Benin Development Union (BeDU) has vowed to take institutional measures against those using the legal action to disrupt the peace and harmony of Edo State, particularly as the gubernatorial election approaches. Sgt. Joseph Otamere Uwumarenogie (rtd), Director of Legal Services for BeDU, alleges that the disbanded Community Development Association (CDA) leaders are behind the crisis, seeking to break the collaboration between the Oba of Benin and the State Governor. He claims that the CDAs are re-emerging through the Association of Okaegheles and are attempting to create a rift between the two leaders.

Uwumarenogie condemned the destabilizing intentions of the plaintiffs, stating, "We condemn in strong terms the destabilising intentions of the plaintiffs and we accordingly call on them to immediately withdraw this case even as we pledge to file a separate court action against them to bring the full weight of the law on their despicable, abominable and very sacrilegious conducts." He emphasized that the Oba of Benin is a diplomat of high repute and not one to be swayed by pedestrian rationalizations.

The admission of the Benin Traditional Council as a party in the suit against the Oba of Benin by the suspended Dukes is a significant development in the ongoing legal battle. As protests by priests, priestesses, and palace chiefs continue outside the Edo State High Court in Benin, the Benin Development Union remains determined to take action against those seeking to disrupt the peace and harmony of the state, especially with the gubernatorial election on the horizon.