Royal Rumble: Obaseki Initiates Out-of-Court Settlement in Rift Between Oba of Benin and Suspended Enigie, But Prof. Akenzua gives conditions

The Edo State Governor, Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki, has seized the initiative to broker peace between the Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolopkolo, Oba Ewuare II, and the two suspended Enigie (Dukes) who had dragged the Oba to court to challenge their suspension. Governor Obaseki insisted that as a “unique inheritance”, the sacred heritage of the Benin Royalty must be preserved. He appealed to politicians from different sides of the divide to desist from playing politics with the royal family and the Palace.

The litigants are Prof. Gregory Akenzua, the Enogie (Duke) of Evbuobanosa, the Oba’s uncle, and Edomwonyi Ogiegbaen, Enogie of Egbaen Siluko, both in Edo South Senatorial District.

Governor Obaseki expressed his willingness to wade into the matter with the possibility of discontinuing the court case when he visited Professor Akenzua at his residence where he met with some Enigie from Edo South senatorial district. Akenzua however insisted that many issues needed to be resolved before they could agree to settle out of court.

Speaking with journalists after the meeting, the governor explained that the meeting was aimed at understanding the issues at stake in order to broker peace and ensure reconciliation of the aggrieved parties.

Governor Obaseki condemned the action of politicians he alleged were attempting to hijack and distort the matter at stake and warned them to be careful as the Benin Royalty is a unique inheritance which Edo people must preserve.

According to the governor, “You will recall that a few days ago, there was an incident in court in Benin City, where there was almost a breakdown of law and order because some people tried to stop a court hearing relating to a case between some Enigie in Benin Kingdom, and the palace.

“Government issued a statement that we are going to look into the matter and seek for amicable reconciliation over the issues in court. I came back from a trip about two days ago, and decided to commence that process by meeting with the aggrieved Enigie who went to court. The intention is to see what the issues are, and amicably ensure that they are resolved.

“Every Enogie in Edo South has a blood relationship with the Palace; they are an extension of the Benin Royal family. We are here to meet a cross-section of them to understand what the issues are. We want to know what it takes to broker peace and reconcile them with the hope that the case is withdrawn from the court.

“They have assured me that they are anxious to promote peace and acknowledge the Oba of Benin as their Royal father, but have concerns that bother them, and would like them to be resolved. The process has started. We will also visit the lyase of Benin Kingdom, and after that, we will visit our Royal father and see how these issues will be resolved.”

Noting that the sacred heritage of the Benin Royalty must be preserved, he said, “We all should be careful as our Royalty is a unique inheritance. We must try to preserve it and never allow the corrosive influence of politicians to afflict our heritage. You can see from the display in Benin City last week that politicians are attempting to hijack and distort the issue at stake.

“There are real and fundamental issues which will be resolved by all means. But we use this medium to appeal to politicians from different sides of the divide to desist from playing politics with the royal family and the Palace.”

Responding, Prof. Akenzua commended Governor Obaseki for attempting to wade into the matter and broker peace. He was however quick to absolve the governor of complicity in the court case as being peddled in political circles. Akenzua posited that “We have not only taken His Majesty to court, but also taken Edo State Government to court as well. I have listened to the governor who is making appeals to us to resolve the issues we have amicably. We welcome the idea, but the fact must be stated that contrary to what I am reading in the press that the governor is the one who asked us to go to court, the truth is that we have issues with His Majesty who is the head of the traditional institutions. Those issues have to be resolved if that settlement has to be made and we welcome any intervention from any source.

“As a point of correction, we have not only taken His Majesty to court but also taken the Edo State Government to court as well. The issue of people saying that it is the governor that is using us to fight the traditional institution is completely incorrect. We will address a full press conference on the issues; we have many issues to be resolved before we agree to settle out of court.”

Recall that trouble started Sunday April 2, 2023, when Oba Ewuare II endorsed the suspension of Prof. Akenzua as the Enogie of Evbuobanosa in Orhionmwon Local Government Area of the state for allegedly leading a rebellion against the Benin throne.

A statement issued by Osaigbovo Iguobaro, chief press secretary to Oba Ewuare 11, had explained that “the Enogie’s suspension arose from several complaints and protests against him by elders across the six communities in Evbuobanosa Dukedom. These comprised Evbuobanosa, Abudu, Igue-Ohenza, Idu-dolor, Iru and Evbuohen”.

According to Iguobaro, the palace endorsed the communities’ protest letter for the Enogie’s suspension following his refusal to heed fellow Enigie’s call to apologise to the Royal Father.

The statement said, “the elders indicted Prof. Akenzua for colluding with the suspended Enogie of Egbaen-Siluko Dukedom, Edomwonyi Iduozee Ogiegbaen, of misconduct, failure to perform his duties, and allegation of an attempted ploy to organise a revolt against the Benin throne.”

While accusing Prof. Akenzua of leading a delegation of Enigie to Governor Obaseki in November 2022 demanding the constitution of a parallel Benin Traditional Council (BTC) for the seven LGAs in Edo South Senatorial district, the statement described his action as “outright disrespect and disregard to the Palace, thereby fuelling agitations to balkanize Benin Kingdom”.

Iguobaro further stated that while addressing the elders from the communities in his palace at the weekend, Oba Ewuare II highlighted the trust deficit among the Enigie’s fold that stirred emotions that transcend logic.

He quoted the Oba as saying that “I want everyone to hear this that some Dukes the Palace sent to represent the throne are behaving funny. Why can’t we call or invite them to answer the complaints? They have also resolved never to retrace their steps from the path of perfidy. Elders, you have all heard all that has been said. Look after the area. Do not fight. Don’t allow anyone to fight or quarrel or entertain any form of disagreement or division among you”.

The statement said spokespersons from the various communities had earlier conveyed their regrets to the palace and appealed to Oba Ewuare 11 to strip Prof. Akenzua of his traditional duties for alleged insubordination.