As the legal suit between the suspended Enigie (dukes) of Benin Kingdom and the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, continued at the State High Court sitting in Benin City, the Enigie on Tuesday said they are in court to protect their fundamental human rights.
DAILY POST reports that the suspended Enigie that took the Oba of Benin to court on behalf of others are Professor Gregory Akenzua, Enigie of Evbuobanosa, and Chief Edomwonyi Ogiegbaen, Egbaen Siluko Dukedom in Benin Kingdom.
Speaking at a press briefing in Benin City, the suspended Enigie opined that the suit against the Benin monarch and the Edo State Government was to protect their fundamental human rights.
Prof. Akenzua, who spoke on behalf of the suspended Enigie, however, debunked the insinuations that they were averse to peace.
He noted that the peaceful resolution of the dispute must be based on justice, which was the reason they went to court to challenge the alleged injustice being meted out to them.
He also denied the allegation that they did not explore customary channels to resolve contending issues.
He added that they adopted all known channels, including customary methods, to settle their issues with the palace but were denied access.
According to him: “There is no other traditional process that we know that we have not gone through.
“We are in court to establish protection of our fundamental human rights. I want to also clarify the erroneous impression that has been created in the media that we are being used by some other people to challenge the palace.
“The case that we instituted for our own protection is against His Royal Majesty and also the government because the government is also expected to protect our fundamental human rights.
“We welcome the initiative of those who propose an amicable settlement of the dispute. We affirm that we stand for peace founded on decorum, integrity and justice. We are upholders of the tradition of our ancestors, and all we wish to do is continue to serve our people in humility.”
He, however, regretted that comments by some palace chiefs, members of the royal family and the Oba’s lawyers not only do not augur well for the prospect of peace but also go against the legacy of Oba Adolo of blessed memory, who was a champion of reconciliation.
Professor Akenzua further stated that the suit was instituted to uphold their right to a fair hearing, which they believe every citizen is entitled to.
“On this, we do not think it is honourable 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.
“Some members of the royal family and the lawyers to the Oba who recently issued statements condemning the planned peace moves by Governor Godwin Obaseki were wrong in their positions,” he added.
He listed the non-payment of their monthly entitlements, the non-installation of Enigie even after undergoing all traditional requirements and several other issues as reasons for their calling for the establishment of traditional councils in the seven local government areas in Edo South senatorial district.
The 51 Enigie, who chronicled events that led to the crisis between them and the palace, denied allegations that they were being sponsored by government and its agents.
