There was a mild drama at the Edo State High Court on Thursday when traditional priests and priestesses numbering 100 stormed the premises in defence of the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare ll, who was sued by two suspended Enigie (Dukes).
The priests and priestesses robed in traditional attires made entrance into the court chanting curses against the enemies of the Oba at the resumed hearing of the case instituted by suspended Enigie.
Two suspended Enigie (Dukes) of Evbuobanosa and Egbaen Siluko Dukedoms in Benin Kingdom, Prof Gregory Akenzua and Chief Edomwonyi Ogiegbaen had on behalf of some others, sued the monarch at Edo State High Court, challenging their suspension from offices.
At the resumed hearing on Thursday Justice Peter Akhihiero of Edo State High Court has admitted the Benin Traditional Council (BTC) as a party in a suit.
They claimed that it is only the State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki and not the Monarch can suspend them from their positions for allegedly rebelling against the Monarch.
Oba Ewuare II and Edo State Government, are the 1st and 2nd Defendants respectively in the suit marked, B/250os/2023.
Justice Peter Akhihiero who ruled in favour of the 1st Defendant (Oba Ewuare II), granting him to include the Benin Traditional Council as the 3rd Defendant.
While other parties in the suit aligned with the position of Oba Ewuare II Counsel to join Benin Traditional Council, BTC in the suit, but the Claimants, Prof. Gregory Akenzua and Edomwonyi Ogiegbaen through their Counsel, Dr Osagie Obayuwana, prayed the Court not to list the Benin Traditional Council, BTC as a party in the suit and urged the Court to award cost against Oba of Benin in favour of the Claimants.
But, Justice Akhihiero who turned down their prayers, held that Obayuwana should not worry about the timing.
According to him, “The race is not for the swift, or the battle for the strong. If they were bringing in the Traditional Council as necessary, I don’t see this as a problem since you people have brought the Oba to court. I don’t think I can shut down any party. Let them come in and file their processes.”
Justice Akhihiero who directed all parties in the suit to amend their relevant documents in the case to reflect the decision of the court, adjourned hearing in the case to 15 July, 2024.
