Heavy security as court adjourns suit against Oba of Benin and suspended nobles

Despite heavy security presence, residents thronged the Edo State High Court in solidarity with the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, in response to the suit filed against him by two suspended Enigies (dukes).

Edo residents, including members of the Benin Royal family, palace chiefs, priests and priestesses, as well as royal supporters, gathered at the court premises, singing solidarity songs in support of the Oba of Benin.

The suspended Enogie of Evbuobanosa, Prof. Gregory Akenzua, and his counterpart from the Egbaen Siluko Dukedom, Mr Edomwonyi Ogiegbaen, are challenging their suspension from office by Oba Ewuare II.

They face allegations of spearheading rebellion against the Oba.

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At the resumed hearing yesterday, Justice Mary Asemota adjourned the case to October 17, 2024, for mention. She cited the forthcoming annual judicial vacation as the reason for the lengthy adjournment.

Speaking to journalists shortly after the adjournment, counsel to the Oba of Benin, Dr Osagie Osagie, said, “Today, the court handling the case has decided that, as a new judge, the case will start afresh.”

On his part, counsel to the petitioners, Dr Osagie Obayuwana, described the process as normal, explaining, “There has been a reorganization of courts. Judges have been moved, and the case was adjourned to October 17, 2024.”

It could be recalled that the Edo State government had previously warned residents to steer clear of the court premises. “We have uncovered the involvement of political elements within the LP and APC in planning an attack on the judiciary, judges, and lawyers on Monday.

“We are stating unequivocally that the government will not allow that to happen,” a government spokesman said.

He added that security agencies have been put on alert and would be deployed to ensure that the Benin High Court proceedings went on without disturbances.