The aggrieved chiefs (enigie) of Benin Kingdom, who filed a lawsuit against Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, on Tuesday, expressed their willingness to resolve the ongoing crisis in the kingdom through peaceful means.
The chiefs (enigie) clarified that while they are open to a peaceful resolution, any such resolution must be grounded in justice, which was the very reason they sought legal recourse in the first place.
Professor Gregory Akenzua, an uncle of Oba Ewuare II and one of the suspended dukes, along with Edomwonyi Ogiegbaen and other affected dukes, have taken legal action to challenge their suspension by the Oba.
On May 27, the Benin Royal Family announced the suspension of Akenzua over what it termed alleged misconduct.
When contacted over his suspension, Akenzua said he had yet to get details, promising to address the press at the appropriate time on the matter.
At a press conference in Benin, on Tuesday, Akenzua, who spoke on behalf of other members of the Association of Enigie in Edo South Senatorial District, which had 48 members in attendance, said there was no other traditional process that they knew that they had not explored to resolve the matter.
The enigie also denied allegations that they were being sponsored by the government and its agents, even as they chronicled events that led to the crisis between them and the palace.
They also said some members of the royal family and the lawyers to Oba Ewuare II, who recently issued statements condemning the planned peace moves initiated by Governor Godwin Obaseki, were wrong in their positions.
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 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 proposed 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.”
He further stated that the legal action taken by himself and Edonmwonyi Ogiegbaen aims to protect their right to a fair trial, which they believe is a fundamental entitlement of every citizen.
“On this, we do not think it is honourable or dignifying for those who claim to be supporters of the Oba of Benin to disrupt the sitting of the court each time the case comes up,” he said.
