The Edo State Government issued a stern warning yesterday against any attempts to disrupt the proceedings of the Edo State High Court in the case involving the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, and some aggrieved Enigies (Dukes). The case is scheduled for Monday, July 15, 2024.
Several suspended Enigies, led by Professor Gregory Akenzua of the Evbuobanosa Dukedom and Chief Edomwonyi Ogiegbaen of the Egbaen Siluko Dukedom, have sued the Oba at the state High Court in Benin City. They are challenging their suspensions, arguing that only the state Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has the authority to suspend or remove them for rebelling against the monarch.
The government referenced an online report urging “all daughters and sons, Ohens, Enigies, market women and men, witches and wizards of Benin Kingdom” to gather at the Benin High Court of Justice on Monday, July 15, 2024. The report called for defending the traditions and culture of the Benin Kingdom against the suspended Enigies supported by Governor Obaseki.
In response, the Edo State Government warned it would not tolerate any disruption of the peace. In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, the government condemned social media posts inciting people to interfere with the judicial process.
“The Edo State Government condemns in the strongest terms the recent posts circulating on social media platforms, inciting and urging people to disrupt the operations of the Benin High Court on Monday, July 15. It is highly disconcerting that there have been attempts to interfere with the judicial process through threats and displays aimed at inciting public unrest,” Nehikhare said.
He emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law and allowing all arms of government to function without fear of intimidation or disruption. The government is aware that some unscrupulous politicians are behind the plan to sponsor violence to score cheap political points.
“We call on youths in the state not to allow themselves to be used to perpetuate violence and cause a crisis in the state,” Nehikhare continued. “We also call on parents to protect their children from being exploited by persons who want to disrupt peace for political gains.”
The Edo State Government will take all lawful actions against any individual or group found involved in activities that undermine the state’s peace. The government urges all law-abiding citizens to reject and ignore any calls to disrupt the state’s peace and to refrain from actions that could jeopardize public order.
“It is only through respect for the law and due process that we can ensure a just and orderly society for all,” Nehikhare stated. “We enjoin everyone to join hands with the government in safeguarding the integrity of our institutions and preserving the peace and harmony of our beloved Edo State.”