Palace chiefs, members of the Benin Royal family, priests, priestesses, Benin sons/daughters, friends, and well-wishers of His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, the Oba of Benin on Thursday turned up at the Edo State High Court in Benin City in solidarity with the revered monarch.
Their action followed the institution of a legal action against the monarch by two suspended dukes Gregory Akenzua and Edomwonyi Iduozee Ogiegbaen.
Palace chiefs from different groups, members of the Benin royal family, priests, priestesses, and well wishers of the Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo Oba Ewuare II have turned up at the premises of the Edo State High Court, Sapele Road in a show… pic.twitter.com/pmC2q6iC1K
— Channels Television (@channelstv) May 9, 2024
READ ALSO: No Court Matter Against Oba Of Benin, Says Edo Govt
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 Enigie 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.
They claimed that their appointment was recognised by the Edo State Government and captured under Section 25(2) of the Traditional Rulers and Chieftaincy Law.
According to them, Section 28 of the Traditional Rulers and Chieftaincy Law empowers the state executive council to sanction them if found wanting, claiming that the Oba of Benin has no right to usurp the power vested on the state executive council.
