The Benin Kingdom‘s Enigies, who initiated legal proceedings against Oba Ewuare II, have signaled their willingness to engage in constructive dialogue, potentially paving the way for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing dispute.
For the Enigies, justice is non-negotiable, and they made it clear that any attempt to resolve the issue must acknowledge and address the perceived wrongs that led them to seek legal action in the first place.
Professor Gregory Akenzua, the Oba’s uncle and a esteemed member of the royal family, is among the suspended Enigies who have taken legal action against the monarch, contesting their removal from their traditional roles in the Benin Kingdom.
In a bid to reclaim their titles and influence, Akenzua, Ogiegbaen, and their fellow Dukes have filed a lawsuit, arguing that their suspension by Oba Ewuare II was unlawful, as only the state government has the jurisdiction to discipline them.
Professor Gregory Akenzua’s suspension by the Benin Royal Family on May 27 has sparked more questions than answers, with Akenzua claiming he’s been left in the dark about the reasons behind his suspension and the identities of the family members responsible, promising a forthcoming press conference to set the record straight.
Before a packed audience at a Benin press conference, Akenzua, representing the Association of Enigie, emphasized that their efforts to resolve the issue through traditional means have been exhaustive, with all avenues thoroughly explored.
The Enigies vehemently rejected claims of government backing, dismissing allegations of political sponsorship as they detailed the events that precipitated the rift with the palace, setting the record straight on the circumstances surrounding the crisis.
The Enigies also pushed back against certain members of the royal family and the Oba’s legal team, who had publicly rejected the peace overtures proposed by Governor Godwin Obaseki, arguing that their stance was misinformed and misguided.
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Akenzua said, “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 and 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 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, and regret that comments by some palace chiefs, members of the royal family and the Oba’s lawyers, do not only augur well for the prospect of peace but go against the legacy of Oba Adolo of blessed memory who was a champion of conciliation.
“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 to continue to serve our people in humility.”
Akenzua emphasized that the legal action he and Edomwonyi Iduozee Ogiegbaen took was aimed at safeguarding their fundamental right to a fair and impartial hearing, a principle he believes is essential for every citizen.
They reportedly criticized the actions of self-proclaimed Oba backers, who persistently disrupted court sittings, labeling such conduct as dishonorable and undignified.