Royal Legal Battle: Obaseki Reads Riot Act to Troublemakers Over Monday’s Resumed Hearing

Ahead of Monday’s continued hearing of the suit filed by some “rebellious” Enigie (Dukes) of Benin Kingdom against the Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare 11, challenging their suspension, the Edo State Government on Saturday vowed to deal with those it referred to as “unscrupulous elements” plotting to foment trouble at a Benin High Court presided over by Justice Peter Akhihiero.
Recall that some suspended Enigie of Benin Kingdom led by the Dukes of Evbuobanosa and Egbaen Siluko, Prof. Gregory Idurobo Akenzua, and Chief Edomwonyi Ogiegbaen respectively, had dragged Oba Ewuare 11 to court over their suspension from office. Akenzua, renowned professor of gynaecology, one-time deputy vice chancellor, University of Benin, as well as former Chairman, Governing Council, Ambrose Alli University, AAU, Ekpoma, had also on Monday May 27, 2024, been suspended and ostracised by the Benin Royal Family over his alleged “acts of rebellion” against the Benin Traditional Institution.
At the last court hearing on May 9, 2024, over 100 priests, priestesses, and palace chiefs had thronged the High Court chanting curses and uttering incantations against the enemies of the Oba.
Raising the alarm that some groups were plotting to exploit the disruption of the court hearing to score cheap political points, the government, in a statement by the Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, vowed to deploy lawful action to deal with such elements planning to disrupt public peace over the proceedings.
The statement read: “The Edo State Government hereby 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.
It is imperative to emphasize that the rule of law must prevail, and all arms of government must be allowed to carry out their functions without fear of intimidation or disruption. The sanctity of our institutions must be upheld at all times.
Government is aware that some unscrupulous politicians are behind the plan to sponsor violence with the aim of disrupting the peace in the State to score cheap political points.
We call on youths in the state not to allow themselves to be used to perpetuate violence and cause crisis in the State.
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 to be involved in activities that undermine the peace in the State.
We urge all law-abiding citizens to reject and ignore any calls to disrupt the peace in the State and to refrain from engaging in any 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.
It is, therefore, in the best interest of all law-abiding citizens of our dear state that 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”.